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Commentary on 2 Samuel 15 verses 13–23
Here is, I. The notice brought to David of Absalom's rebellion, Sa2 15:13. The matter was bad enough, and yet it seems to have been made worse to him (as such things commonly are) than really it was; for he was told that the hearts of the men of Israel (that is, the generality of them, at least the leading men) were after Absalom. But David was the more apt to believe it because now he could call to mind the arts that Absalom had used to inveigle them, and perhaps reflected upon it with regret that he had not done more to counterwork him, and secure his own interest, which he had been too confident of. Note, It is the wisdom of princes to make sure of their subjects; for, if they have them, they have their purses, and arms, and all, at their service.
II. The alarm this gave to David, and the resolutions he came to thereupon. We may well imagine him in a manner thunderstruck, when he heard that the son he loved so dearly, and had been so indulgent to, was so unnaturally and ungratefully in arms against him. Well might he say with Caesar, Kai su teknon - What, thou my son? Let not parents raise their hopes too high from their children, lest they be disappointed. David did not call a council, but, consulting only with God and his own heart, determined immediately to quit Jerusalem, Sa2 15:14. He took up this strange resolve, so disagreeable to his character as a man of courage, either, 1. As a penitent, submitting to the rod, and lying down under God's correcting hand. Conscience now reminded him of his sin in the matter of Uriah, and the sentence he was under for it, which was that evil should arise against him out of his own house. "Now," thinks he, "the word of God begins to be fulfilled, and it is not for me to contend with it or fight against it; God is righteous and I submit." Before unrighteous Absalom he could justify himself and stand it out; but before the righteous God he must condemn himself and yield to his judgments. Thus he accepts the punishment of his iniquity. Or, 2. As a politician. Jerusalem was a great city, but not tenable; it should seem, by David's prayer (Psa 51:18), that the walls of it were not built up, much less was it regularly fortified. It was too large to be garrisoned by so small a force as David had now with him, He had reason to fear that the generality of the inhabitants were too well affected to Absalom to be true to him. Should he fortify himself here, he might lose the country, in which, especially among those that lay furthest from Absalom's tampering, he hoped to have the most friends. And he had such a kindness for Jerusalem that he was loth to make it the seat of war, and expose it to the calamities of a siege; he will rather quit it tamely to the rebels. Note, Good men, when they suffer themselves, care not how few are involved with them in suffering.
III. His hasty flight from Jerusalem. His servants agreed to the measures he took, faithfully adhered to him (Sa2 15:15), and assured him of their inviolable allegiance, whereupon, 1. He went out of Jerusalem himself on foot, while his son Absalom had chariots and horses. It is not always the best man, nor the best cause, that makes the best figure. See here, not only the servant, but the traitor, on horseback, while the prince, the rightful prince, walks as a servant upon the earth, Ecc 10:7. Thus he chose to do, to abase himself so much the more under God's hand, and in condescension to his friends and followers, with whom he would walk, in token that he would live and die with them. 2. He took his household with him, his wives and children, that he might protect them in this day of danger, and that they might be a comfort to him in this day of grief. Masters of families, in their greatest frights, must not neglect their households. Ten women, that were concubines, he left behind, to keep the house, thinking that the weakness of their sex would secure them from murder, and their age and relation to him would secure them from rape; but God overruled this for the fulfilling of his word. 3. He took his life-guard with him, or band of pensioners, the Cherethites and Pelethites, who were under the command of Benaiah, and the Gittites, who were under the command of Ittai, Sa2 15:18. These Gittites seem to have been, by birth, Philistines of Gath, who came, a regiment of them, 600 in all, to enter themselves in David's service, having known him at Gath, and being greatly in love with him for his virtue and piety, and having embraced the Jews' religion. David made them of his garde du corps - his body-guard, and they adhered to him in his distress. The Son of David found not such great faith in Israel as in a Roman centurion and a woman of Canaan. 4. As many as would, of the people of Jerusalem, he took with him, and made a halt at some distance from the city, to draw them up, Sa2 15:17. He compelled none. Those whose hearts were with Absalom, to Absalom let them go, and so shall their doom be: they will soon have enough of him. Christ enlists none but volunteers.
IV. His discourse with Ittai the Gittite, who commanded the Philistine-proselytes.
1.David dissuaded him from going along with him, Sa2 15:19, Sa2 15:20. Though he and his men might be greatly serviceable to him yet, (1.) He would try whether he was hearty for him, and not inclined to Absalom. He therefore bids him return to his post in Jerusalem, and serve the new king. If he was no more than a soldier of fortune (as we say), he would be for that side which would pay and prefer him best; and to that side let him go. (2.) If he was faithful to David, yet David would not have him exposed to the fatigues and perils he now counted upon. David's tender spirit cannot bear to think that a stranger and an exile, a proselyte and a new convert, who ought, by all means possible, to be encouraged and made easy, should, at his first coming, meet with such hard usage: "Should I make thee go up and down with us? No, return with thy brethren." Generous souls are more concerned at the share others have in their troubles than at their own. Ittai shall therefore be dismissed with a blessing: Mercy and truth be with thee, that is, God's mercy and truth, mercy according to promise, the promise made to those who renounce other gods and put themselves under the wings off the divine Majesty. This is a very proper pious farewell, when we part with a friend, "Mercy and truth be with thee, and then thou art safe, and mayest be easy, wherever thou art." David's dependence was upon the mercy and truth of God for comfort and happiness, both for himself and his friends; see Psa 61:7.
2.Ittai bravely resolved not to leave him, Sa2 15:21. Where David is, whether in life or death, safe or in peril, there will this faithful friend of his be; and he confirms this resolution with an oath, that he might not be tempted to break it. Such a value has he for David, not for the sake of his wealth and greatness (for then he would have deserted him now that he saw him thus reduced), but for the sake of his wisdom and goodness, which were still the same, that, whatever comes of it, he will never leave him. Note, That is a friend indeed who loves at all times, and will adhere to us in adversity. Thus should we cleave to the Son of David with full purpose of heart that neither life nor death shall separate us from his love.
V. The common people's sympathy with David in his affliction. When he and his attendants passed over the brook Kidron (the very same brook that Christ passed over when he entered upon his sufferings, Joh 18:1), towards the way of the wilderness, which lay between Jerusalem and Jericho, all the country wept with a loud voice, Sa2 15:23. Cause enough there was for weeping, 1. To see a prince thus reduced, one that had lived so great forced from his palace and in fear of his life, with a small retinue seeking shelter in a desert, to see the city of David, which he himself won, built, and fortified, made an unsafe abode for David himself. It would move the compassion even of strangers to see a man fallen thus low from such a height, and this by the wickedness of his own son; a piteous case it was. Parents that are abused and ruined by their own children merit the tender sympathy of their friends as much as any of the sons or daughters of affliction. Especially, 2. To see their own prince thus wronged, who had been so great a blessing to their land, and had not done any thing to forfeit the affections of his people; to see him in this distress, and themselves unable to help him, might well draw floods of tears from their eyes.
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SUMMARY
2 Samuel 15:18 offers a vivid and poignant depiction of King David's forced exodus from Jerusalem, driven by the rebellion of his son Absalom. This verse meticulously details the composition of David's loyal entourage, specifically highlighting the unwavering commitment of his personal guard—the Cherethites and Pelethites—and a substantial contingent of foreign mercenaries, the Gittites. It powerfully underscores the profound loyalty exhibited by these individuals, standing in stark contrast to the widespread defection David faced, thereby revealing the enduring strength of the king's personal charisma and the steadfast dedication of his most trusted forces during a moment of profound national crisis and vulnerability.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message and paint a vivid scene. Enumeration is prominently featured, specifically listing the "Cherethites," "Pelethites," and "Gittites," which provides a precise and detailed picture of David's loyal forces and emphasizes their distinct identities and roles. The inclusion of the numerical detail "six hundred men" for the Gittites adds a powerful sense of specificity and realism, making the scene more tangible and underscoring the substantial nature of this foreign contingent. A subtle but potent contrast is implied throughout the verse: while the broader nation has turned against David, these specific, often foreign, contingents remain steadfast, highlighting the nature of true allegiance. Furthermore, the parallelism in the phrasing "passed on beside him" and "passed on before the king" effectively highlights the different roles and strategic positions of David's various loyalists, with the elite guard serving as a protective vanguard. This meticulous detailing serves to underscore both the gravity of David's perilous situation and the remarkable, enduring loyalty he still commanded.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the nature of true loyalty, particularly in times of profound adversity. It powerfully demonstrates that genuine commitment is not always found in expected places or among those bound by conventional national or familial ties, but often emerges from deep personal conviction and fidelity. The steadfastness of David's personal guard and the foreign Gittites stands as a powerful testimony to the enduring power of covenantal relationships and personal allegiance, even when the broader community has fractured. Theologically, this can be seen as a striking example of God's sovereign provision, raising up unexpected allies to protect His anointed, even in moments of profound human failure and widespread betrayal. This unexpected loyalty from the Gittites also subtly prefigures the later inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that God's favor and the capacity for true devotion are not limited by ethnic or national boundaries but are open to all who respond in faith.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The poignant scene of David's loyal retinue marching out of Jerusalem amidst the chaos of Absalom's rebellion offers a timeless and profound lesson on faithfulness, leadership, and the nature of true commitment. In moments of profound crisis, when betrayal is rampant and the future uncertain, true character is revealed. David, despite his numerous flaws and the consequences of his own actions, had cultivated a deep personal loyalty among his closest associates and even from foreign contingents. This narrative powerfully reminds us of the enduring importance of building relationships based on trust, integrity, and genuine care, as these are the resilient bonds that endure when everything else crumbles. For believers today, this narrative encourages us to emulate the "Cherethites and Pelethites" in the lives of others—those who remain steadfast, supportive, and committed, especially when friends, family, or spiritual leaders face immense trials or public scorn. It also challenges us to recognize God's hand in providing support from unexpected sources, much like the Gittites, reminding us that His provision is not limited by our expectations, conventional alliances, or even historical animosities. Our faithfulness, even in the face of widespread apostasy, difficulty, or personal cost, is a powerful testimony to the unwavering faithfulness of God, who remains true even when we are faithless.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were the Cherethites and Pelethites, and why were they significant to David?
Answer: The Cherethites and Pelethites were David's elite personal bodyguard and standing army, serving as his most trusted and formidable professional soldiers. They are widely believed to have been foreign mercenaries, possibly originating from Crete (Cherethites) or having a name related to swift movement or messengers (Pelethites). Their significance lay in their unwavering and singular loyalty to David personally, rather than to the broader Israelite tribes or national interests. They consistently appear together in biblical accounts as the core of David's military and security apparatus, proving indispensable during periods of internal unrest, such as Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15:18) and the later succession crisis involving Adonijah (1 Kings 1:38).
Why would Philistines (Gittites) be loyal to David, an Israelite king, given their historical enmity?
Answer: The loyalty of the Gittites, men from the Philistine city of Gath, is indeed remarkable given the long-standing historical enmity between Israel and the Philistines. Their allegiance likely stemmed from a personal bond or an oath of service established during David's earlier period as a fugitive from King Saul, when he sought refuge and resided in Gath under King Achish (1 Samuel 27:2). During this time, David and his men served Achish, and it is highly plausible that some Philistines, including the prominent Ittai the Gittite, developed a deep respect and personal loyalty to David. Their decision to follow David into exile, as vividly portrayed in 2 Samuel 15:19-22, powerfully underscores David's unique charisma and his extraordinary ability to inspire devotion even from those outside his own people. This highlights a profound loyalty based on personal commitment rather than solely on national or ethnic identity.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The poignant scene of King David's flight from Jerusalem, accompanied by a loyal remnant that notably includes unexpected foreign allies, serves as a powerful and deeply significant foreshadowing of Christ's own earthly experience. Just as David, God's anointed king, was rejected by many of his own people and forced into exile by a treacherous son, so too was Jesus, the Son of David and the true King of Israel, rejected by His own nation (John 1:11). Yet, in both narratives, a faithful few remained steadfast. While many turned away from Jesus during His ministry, a small band of disciples stayed with Him, even in His darkest hour of trial and abandonment (John 6:66-69). More profoundly, the unexpected loyalty of the Gittites—foreigners from a historically hostile nation—powerfully prefigures the glorious inclusion of Gentiles into God's new covenant through Christ. The Lamb of God, who came to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29), came first to Israel, but His redemptive work ultimately broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14) to create one new humanity. Through Him, people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation are drawn into His eternal kingdom (Revelation 7:9-10). Thus, David's loyal Gittites, marching faithfully before him, symbolize the vast multitude of Gentile believers who would eventually pass on before the King of Kings, united not by bloodline or nationality, but by an unwavering faith in the Son of God and His redemptive work.