2 Samuel 15:16

And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, [which were] concubines, to keep the house.

And the king {H4428} went forth {H3318}, and all his household {H1004} after {H7272} him. And the king {H4428} left {H5800} ten {H6235} women {H802}, which were concubines {H6370}, to keep {H8104} the house {H1004}.

So the king set out, and all his household after him. The king left ten women who were concubines to care for the palace.

Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace.

And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, that were concubines, to keep the house.

Commentary

2 Samuel 15:16 describes a pivotal moment in King David's life: his hurried departure from Jerusalem due to the rebellion led by his son, Absalom. As David and his loyal household flee, he makes a significant and telling decision to leave behind ten of his concubines, entrusting them with the care of the royal palace.

Context

This verse is set during the dramatic events of Absalom's rebellion, a major crisis in David's reign. Absalom, having meticulously gained popularity and orchestrated a coup, forced David to make an immediate and desperate flight from his capital city. David's decision to leave the concubines was likely a pragmatic one to manage the large royal entourage during a hasty retreat and to symbolically "keep the house" or maintain some semblance of ownership and continuity, even as he departed. However, this act inadvertently set the stage for a profound humiliation and a fulfillment of prophecy, as Absalom would later publicly appropriate these concubines (2 Samuel 16:22), signifying his usurpation of David's throne and authority.

Key Themes

  • The Vulnerability of Power: Even a powerful and divinely chosen king like David was susceptible to betrayal and the loss of his throne, highlighting the fragility of human authority.
  • Consequences of Sin: This entire rebellion, and the humiliation of David's household, is understood in the wider narrative as a direct consequence of David's past sins concerning Bathsheba and Uriah, as prophesied by Nathan (2 Samuel 12:11).
  • The Role of Concubines: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, concubines were secondary wives, part of a king's royal household and often symbols of his wealth and power. Leaving them behind was not just about convenience; it exposed them to the usurper and later became a public statement of Absalom's claim to the throne.
  • Desperate Measures: David's swift departure and the choice to leave these women behind underscore the urgency and desperation of his flight from Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "concubines" is pilagshim (Χ€Φ΄ΦΌΧ™ΧœΦ·Χ’Φ°Χ©Φ΄ΧΧ™Χ). These were distinct from primary wives but were still considered part of the king's marital household. Their status was more than mere servants; they often had children who could sometimes inherit, though typically not the primary royal line. The act of a new king or usurper taking the former king's concubines was a common symbolic act of claiming his predecessor's power and legitimacy, as seen in Absalom's later actions.

Practical Application and Reflection

This verse offers a stark glimpse into the harsh realities of power struggles in ancient Israel and the personal cost of political upheaval, even for the most prominent figures. It reminds us that:

  • Leaders face immense trials: Even those in positions of authority can experience profound betrayal and personal crisis.
  • Actions have consequences: The long shadow of past decisions, both personal and political, can affect an entire household and nation.
  • The fragility of earthly security: David's sudden flight from his palace underscores how quickly circumstances can change, and how earthly comforts and positions can be lost.

The fate of these concubines, left behind as the king flees, serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of individuals caught in the crosscurrents of larger conflicts and political maneuverings.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 16:21

    And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that [are] with thee be strong.

  • 2 Samuel 16:22

    So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

  • 2 Samuel 20:3

    And David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women [his] concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them, but went not in unto them. So they were shut up unto the day of their death, living in widowhood.

  • Psalms 3:1

    ΒΆ A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me.

  • Romans 12:2

    And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

  • 1 Samuel 25:42

    And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.

  • 2 Samuel 12:11

    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.
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