2 Samuel 15:17

KJV

And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} went forth {H3318}, and all the people {H5971} after {H7272} him, and tarried {H5975} in a place {H1004} that was far off {H4801}{H1023}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king set out with all the people after him, but they waited at the last house

Berean Standard Bible

So the king set out with all the people following him. He stopped at the last house,

American Standard Version

And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 15:17 marks the sorrowful beginning of King David's forced exodus from Jerusalem, driven out by the rebellion of his son, Absalom. This verse captures David's immediate and decisive action to depart the capital, accompanied by his loyal followers, and their strategic halt at a significant distance from the city. This pause was not a sign of panicked flight but a deliberate moment for assessment, regrouping, and planning in the face of an overwhelming and deeply personal crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of David's reign, specifically within the account of Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15-19). Preceding this verse, Absalom has meticulously cultivated popular support and undermined David's authority (see [2 Samuel 15:1-6](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1-6 - Absalom's Conspiracy")). The conspiracy culminates in Absalom declaring himself king in Hebron ([2 Samuel 15:7-12](/2_samuel/15-7 "2 Samuel 15:7-12 - Absalom Declares Himself King")). Upon receiving news of the widespread defection of the people to Absalom, David makes the agonizing decision to evacuate Jerusalem to prevent bloodshed within the city walls ([2 Samuel 15:13-16](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-16 - David's Decision to Flee")). Verse 17 thus initiates the physical journey of David's flight, setting the stage for the subsequent events of his exile and the unfolding conflict.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, a king's flight from his capital was an act of profound humiliation and a potent symbol of his perceived weakness or loss of divine favor. Jerusalem, as David's chosen capital and the city where the Ark of the Covenant resided, held immense religious and political significance. David's departure was not merely a tactical retreat but a deeply personal and public acknowledgment of his son's successful coup, at least for the moment. The loyalty of "all the people after him" highlights the crucial role of personal allegiance in a tribal society, where a king's authority was often sustained by the fidelity of his household, military commanders, and key tribes. The act of "tarrying in a place that was far off" reflects a common military strategy of establishing a safe distance from a hostile force to regroup, assess intelligence, and prepare for future action, rather than engaging in a chaotic, headlong retreat.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Samuel and David's narrative. It underscores the theme of **leadership in crisis**, demonstrating David's difficult choice to prioritize the safety of Jerusalem's inhabitants over a direct, potentially devastating, confrontation. It vividly portrays the stark contrast between **loyalty and betrayal**, as Absalom's treachery is met by the unwavering fidelity of David's core followers, a theme explored further in [2 Samuel 15:18-23](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15:18-23 - Ittai the Gittite's Loyalty"). Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **divine sovereignty and consequences**, hinting that this painful episode is, in part, a fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy regarding the sword never departing from David's house due to his sin with Bathsheba (see [2 Samuel 12:10-11](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10-11 - Nathan's Prophecy of Judgment")). David's strategic pause also speaks to the theme of **prudence and patience** in adversity, a characteristic often attributed to David's leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Went forth (Hebrew, יָצָא _yatsa'_):** This verb signifies a purposeful departure or going out. It is not merely a casual exit but an intentional movement, underscoring David's decision to leave Jerusalem. In this context, it carries the weight of an enforced exodus, a king being driven from his throne and city.
* **Tarried (Hebrew, עָמַד _'amad'_):** This word means "to stand, to remain, to halt, to wait." Unlike a panicked flight, the use of _'amad_ implies a deliberate, intentional pause. It suggests that David and his company were not simply resting out of exhaustion but were strategically stopping to organize, assess the situation, and perhaps allow stragglers to catch up or to gather more information before proceeding. This indicates composure and strategic thinking even in dire circumstances.
* **Far off (Hebrew, מֵרָחֹוק _merachoq'_):** This adverbial phrase means "from a distance, afar off." It emphasizes that the chosen stopping place was a significant distance from Jerusalem, providing a necessary buffer for safety and allowing for unhurried deliberation. It highlights the strategic nature of their halt, ensuring they were beyond immediate reach of Absalom's forces and could plan their next moves.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king went forth":** This clause highlights David's personal action, emphasizing his leadership in this painful departure. Despite being the reigning monarch, he is forced to abandon his capital, a profound act of humility and strategic retreat to avoid civil war within Jerusalem's walls.
* **"and all the people after him":** This phrase signifies the enduring loyalty of a significant portion of David's household, military, and general populace. While Absalom had won over many, a core group remained steadfastly committed to David, choosing to follow him into uncertainty and exile. This underscores the personal devotion David commanded from his true adherents.
* **"and tarried in a place that was far off":** This concluding clause describes the strategic halt David and his company made. The distance from Jerusalem ("far off") provided a crucial measure of safety and time. The act of "tarrying" implies a deliberate, organized pause for assessment, regrouping, and planning, rather than a chaotic, unthinking flight. It speaks to David's leadership and his ability to maintain a degree of order and foresight even in extreme adversity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Irony** is prominent, as the mighty King David, who conquered Jerusalem and established it as his capital, is now forced to flee it by his own son. This reversal of fortune highlights the fragility of human power and the painful consequences of sin. There is also an element of **Symbolism** in David's journey; his physical departure from Jerusalem symbolizes his temporary loss of kingdom and authority, and his subsequent exile becomes a symbol of suffering and humiliation. The "place that was far off" serves as a **motif** of temporary refuge and strategic retreat, a recurring theme in biblical narratives of leaders facing adversity. The concise nature of the verse, describing a momentous event in simple terms, also contributes to its **poignancy**, allowing the reader to grasp the weight of the situation without excessive detail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 15:17 resonates deeply with broader theological themes of suffering, divine judgment, and God's enduring faithfulness amidst human failure. David's flight is not merely a political maneuver but a consequence of the prophetic judgment pronounced by Nathan (2 Samuel 12:10-12), reminding us that even God's chosen leaders face the consequences of their actions. Yet, in this moment of vulnerability, the loyalty of David's followers underscores God's provision of community and support in times of trial. David's experience foreshadows the pattern of righteous suffering and temporary exile found throughout Scripture, where God's people are often refined through hardship.

* [Psalm 3:1-2](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1-2 - David's Prayer During Absalom's Rebellion")
* [Psalm 42:1-3](/psalms/42-1 "Psalm 42:1-3 - A Cry for God in Exile")
* [Lamentations 1:3](/lamentations/1-3 "Lamentations 1:3 - Judah in Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's sorrowful departure from Jerusalem offers profound lessons for believers navigating their own seasons of adversity. There are times in life when the wisest course of action is not to fight or resist, but to strategically retreat, humble ourselves, and allow God to work in ways we cannot immediately comprehend. This verse reminds us that true strength is often found in vulnerability, and leadership in crisis may require painful, counter-intuitive decisions for the greater good. It challenges us to assess our own loyalties: who stands with us when life unravels, and are we willing to be that steadfast presence for others? Moreover, David's "tarrying" teaches us the invaluable discipline of strategic patience. In moments of overwhelming pressure, the temptation is to react impulsively. Instead, we are called to pause, to seek God's counsel, to gather our thoughts, and to trust that even in retreat, God is at work, preparing the way for His ultimate deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing overwhelming opposition or personal crisis, what is your natural inclination: to fight, flee, or pause and assess?**
* **How does David's decision to retreat, rather than fight within Jerusalem, inform your understanding of wise leadership or personal humility?**
* **Who are the "loyal people" in your life who stand with you in adversity, and how do you cultivate such relationships?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "tarry in a place that was far off," to pause and seek His wisdom before acting?**

### FAQ
**Why did David flee Jerusalem instead of defending it against Absalom?**

Answer: David's decision to flee Jerusalem was primarily a strategic and compassionate one, aimed at preventing bloodshed and destruction within the city. He explicitly states his reasoning in [2 Samuel 15:14](/2_samuel/15-14 "2 Samuel 15:14 - David's Reason for Fleeing"), saying, "Lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword." David, as king, prioritized the lives of his people and the preservation of his capital over a direct confrontation that would inevitably lead to massive casualties and devastation. Furthermore, there may have been an element of spiritual humility, acknowledging that this crisis was, in part, a consequence of his own past sins, as prophesied by Nathan. His flight allowed him to regroup, assess the loyalty of his followers, and formulate a counter-strategy from a position of relative safety.

**Who were "all the people after him" that remained loyal to David?**

Answer: "All the people after him" refers to David's loyal household, his personal guard, and various foreign contingents who chose to remain with him. This group notably included his Cherethites and Pelethites (his elite bodyguard), and significantly, the Gittites, led by Ittai, who had recently come from Gath. [2 Samuel 15:18-22](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15:18-22 - Ittai the Gittite's Loyalty") specifically highlights Ittai's unwavering loyalty, even when David encouraged him to return. This demonstrates that despite Absalom's widespread appeal, David retained a core of deeply committed followers, both Israelite and foreign, who were willing to share in his suffering and uncertainty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's sorrowful exodus from Jerusalem, a king rejected by his own people and forced into exile, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate suffering and rejection of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. David, the anointed king, is driven from his throne by a rebellious son, experiencing humiliation and betrayal. Similarly, Jesus, the true King of Israel and the Son of God, was rejected by His own people, "He came unto his own, and His own received Him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - The Word Came to His Own")). While David fled to spare Jerusalem from physical destruction, Christ willingly embraced the path of suffering and death, not to escape destruction, but to bring salvation. His journey to the cross was the ultimate "going forth" from the city, a deliberate act of self-sacrifice to bear the sins of the world ([John 19:17-18](/john/19-17 "John 19:17-18 - Jesus Carries His Cross")). The loyalty of David's few followers, who "tarried" with him in his distress, points to the faithfulness of Christ's disciples, who, despite their weaknesses, remained with Him through His trials ([Luke 22:28](/luke/22-28 "Luke 22:28 - Jesus Commends His Disciples' Faithfulness")). Ultimately, David's temporary exile ended in restoration, a pattern that finds its glorious fulfillment in Christ's resurrection and ascension, where He was exalted to the right hand of God, securing an eternal kingdom that will never be overthrown ([Acts 2:33-36](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33-36 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 3:1

¶ 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.

Psalms 3:2

Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. Selah.

Psalms 66:12

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy [place].

Ecclesiastes 10:7

I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth.