2 Samuel 15:14

And David said unto all his servants that [were] with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not [else] escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

And David {H1732} said {H559} unto all his servants {H5650} that were with him at Jerusalem {H3389}, Arise {H6965}, and let us flee {H1272}; for we shall not else escape {H6413} from {H6440} Absalom {H53}: make speed {H4116} to depart {H3212}, lest he overtake {H5381} us suddenly {H4116}, and bring {H5080} evil {H7451} upon us, and smite {H5221} the city {H5892} with the edge {H6310} of the sword {H2719}.

David said to all his servants with him in Yerushalayim, "Get up! We must flee! Otherwise none of us will escape from Avshalom. Hurry, and leave; or he will soon overtake us, attack us and put the city to the sword."

And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.”

And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for else none of us shall escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

Commentary

Context of 2 Samuel 15:14

This verse marks a critical juncture in the life of King David, detailing his urgent command to flee Jerusalem. It occurs during the devastating period of Absalom's rebellion, a major uprising led by David's own charismatic son, Absalom. Absalom had been subtly winning the hearts of the people for years (2 Samuel 15:6), and his coup was swift and effective, catching David off guard. David's decision to leave the capital was not an act of cowardice but a strategic and compassionate move to prevent widespread bloodshed and the destruction of Jerusalem, which would inevitably occur if he resisted Absalom's advancing forces within the city walls.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Leadership in Crisis: David, though a mighty warrior and king, chooses to retreat rather than engage in a civil war that would devastate his people and the holy city. This demonstrates a difficult but necessary decision for the greater good.
  • Humility and Consequences: David's flight can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy given by Nathan concerning the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, where "evil will rise against you from your own household" (2 Samuel 12:11). David, in this moment, faces the bitter fruits of past transgressions.
  • Preservation of Life: David's primary concern is not his throne, but the lives of his servants and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. His command to "make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword" highlights his desire to avoid a violent confrontation within the city. The phrase "smite the city with the edge of the sword" implies a complete and merciless slaughter.
  • Divine Providence: Although the immediate situation appears disastrous, David's flight ultimately sets the stage for God's continued working in his life and the eventual restoration of his kingdom, albeit through much suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "smite the city with the edge of the sword" translates a common Hebrew idiom, indicating a complete and ruthless slaughter, often associated with divine judgment or overwhelming military victory. It signifies a devastating attack without mercy, leaving no survivors. David's use of this phrase underscores the extreme danger and violence he anticipates from Absalom's forces if they are trapped in Jerusalem.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Samuel 15:14 offers several powerful lessons:

  • Wisdom in Retreat: Sometimes, the strongest act of leadership or faith is knowing when to retreat, not from fear, but from wisdom and a desire to prevent greater harm. It teaches us to prioritize the well-being of others over personal pride or position.
  • Facing Consequences: The narrative reminds us that even for those favored by God, there can be painful consequences for actions, and part of spiritual maturity is humbly accepting and navigating those difficult seasons.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Despite the chaos and immediate danger, David's subsequent actions throughout his flight demonstrate a continued reliance on God's ultimate control. Even in the face of betrayal and profound personal loss, we are called to trust in God's plan and His unwavering presence.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 19:9 (4 votes)

    ¶ And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.

  • 2 Samuel 12:11 (2 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give [them] unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.

  • Psalms 55:3 (2 votes)

    Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.

  • Psalms 55:11 (2 votes)

    Wickedness [is] in the midst thereof: deceit and guile depart not from her streets.

  • Ezekiel 46:18 (2 votes)

    Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; [but] he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.

  • Psalms 137:5 (2 votes)

    If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget [her cunning].

  • Psalms 137:6 (2 votes)

    If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.