2 Samuel 15:23

KJV

And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the country {H776} wept {H1058} with a loud {H1419} voice {H6963}, and all the people {H5971} passed over {H5674}: the king {H4428} also himself passed over {H5674} the brook {H5158} Kidron {H6939}, and all the people {H5971} passed over {H5674}, toward {H6440} the way {H1870} of the wilderness {H4057}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The whole country wept and wailed as all the people left. When the king crossed Vadi Kidron, all the people crossed, too, heading toward the desert road.

Berean Standard Bible

Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness.

American Standard Version

And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse powerfully encapsulates the deep sorrow and national upheaval accompanying King David's forced departure from Jerusalem. Driven out by the rebellion of his son Absalom, the scene depicts a poignant moment of collective grief as the entire populace witnesses their king and his loyal retinue crossing the Brook Kidron, embarking on a desperate flight into the wilderness. It marks a profound turning point, symbolizing the fragility of power and the painful consequences of familial and national discord, while simultaneously highlighting the enduring loyalty of David's faithful followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Immediately preceding [2 Samuel 15:23](/2_samuel/15-23 "2 Samuel 15:23 - David's Flight from Absalom"), the text details Absalom's cunning strategy to win the hearts of the people of Israel ([2 Samuel 15:1-6 "2 Samuel 15:1-6 - Absalom's Conspiracy Begins"]) and his subsequent public declaration of kingship in Hebron ([2 Samuel 15:7-12 "2 Samuel 15:7-12 - Absalom Declares Himself King"]). Faced with the overwhelming support for Absalom and desiring to prevent bloodshed within Jerusalem, David makes the difficult and humiliating decision to flee his capital ([2 Samuel 15:13-14 "2 Samuel 15:13-14 - David Decides to Flee Jerusalem"]). The verse directly follows the moving account of Ittai the Gittite's unwavering loyalty, as he pledges to follow David wherever he goes, whether to death or life ([2 Samuel 15:19-22 "2 Samuel 15:19-22 - Ittai's Loyalty to David"]), setting a poignant contrast between the treachery of Absalom and the steadfastness of David's faithful remnant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign, though marked by significant military and political successes, was also plagued by internal strife and familial dysfunction. Absalom's rebellion was not merely a personal vendetta but a popular uprising, exploiting existing discontent and Absalom's charismatic appeal. For a king to be forced to flee his capital was an immense humiliation, often interpreted as a sign of divine disfavor or a weakening of his legitimate claim to the throne. The Brook Kidron, a valley or wadi on the eastern side of Jerusalem, served as a natural boundary and was often associated with ritual purity or defilement, as well as a common route for departing the city towards the wilderness. David's crossing of this brook, therefore, carried both practical and profound symbolic weight, marking his painful exit from the sacred city and his temporary loss of power.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 15:23](/2_samuel/15-23 "2 Samuel 15:23 - David's Flight from Absalom") powerfully illustrates several major theological and narrative themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Foremost among these is the theme of the *consequences of sin*, particularly David's actions with Bathsheba and Uriah, as prophesied by Nathan (e.g., [2 Samuel 12:10-12 "2 Samuel 12:10-12 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword and Trouble"]). The rebellion and flight are presented as the bitter fruit of David's transgressions, demonstrating God's justice. The verse also highlights the stark contrast between *betrayal and loyalty*, showcasing Absalom's treachery against the steadfastness of David's loyal followers. Furthermore, it underscores the *suffering of the righteous*, even a king chosen by God, and the *sovereignty of God* working through human events, as this period of exile ultimately leads to David's restoration and deeper reliance on divine providence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wept (Hebrew, בָּכָה, _bakah_):** This verb denotes a deep, audible weeping, often accompanied by wailing and lamentation. It signifies profound sorrow, grief, and distress, indicating that the emotional impact of David's departure was not confined to a few individuals but was a widespread, public expression of national anguish. The "loud voice" emphasizes the intensity and communal nature of this lament.
* **passed over (Hebrew, עָבַר, _'avar_):** This verb is repeated multiple times in the verse, creating a sense of continuous movement and a large-scale exodus. It means "to cross over," "to pass through," or "to go beyond." Its repetition emphasizes the sheer number of people involved in the flight and the deliberate, collective act of leaving Jerusalem behind, signifying a transition from stability to uncertainty.
* **brook Kidron (Hebrew, נַחַל קִדְרוֹן, _nachal Qidron_):** The Hebrew _nachal_ refers to a wadi or seasonal stream, often dry for much of the year, while _Qidron_ likely means "dark" or "dusky." This geographical feature, a valley on the eastern side of Jerusalem, served as a natural boundary. Symbolically, it was often associated with impurity or the disposal of idols (e.g., [1 Kings 15:13 "1 Kings 15:13 - Asa Removes Maacah's Idol by Kidron"]), making David's crossing of it a poignant symbol of his humiliation and departure from the holy city, a passage into a period of defilement or distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the country wept with a loud voice":** This opening clause paints a vivid picture of widespread, public lamentation. "All the country" (or "all the land") emphasizes the national scope of the tragedy, indicating that the sorrow was not merely personal for David but deeply affected the entire populace, who grieved for the king, the disruption of peace, and the instability of the kingdom. The "loud voice" underscores the intensity and communal nature of this outpouring of grief.
* **"and all the people passed over":** This phrase describes the mass exodus of David's loyal followers. The repetition of "all the people" from the previous clause reinforces the idea of a collective, significant movement. It highlights the scale of the forced departure, as a substantial portion of the population chose to accompany their king into exile, demonstrating their allegiance.
* **"the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron":** This clause focuses specifically on David's personal act of crossing. The emphasis on "the king also himself" highlights his deep humiliation and vulnerability. For the anointed king to be forced to leave his capital and cross a boundary like the Kidron signifies a profound loss of power and status, marking a symbolic departure from the sacred city and a descent into a period of trial.
* **"and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness":** The final clause repeats the act of "passing over" by "all the people," reinforcing the magnitude and continuous nature of the flight. The destination, "the way of the wilderness," signifies a journey into uncertainty, hardship, and a place of refuge. In biblical typology, the wilderness is often a place of testing, purification, and reliance on God, setting the stage for David's spiritual and physical ordeal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound emotional and narrative weight. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrases "all the country wept" and "all the people passed over," which, while not literally encompassing every single person, effectively conveys the overwhelming and widespread nature of the grief and exodus. **Repetition** of the phrase "passed over" (עָבַר, _'avar_) emphasizes the continuous flow of people, underscoring the scale and the determined, yet sorrowful, movement away from Jerusalem. **Symbolism** is central to the verse, particularly with the "brook Kidron," which serves as a poignant boundary between the city of God's dwelling and the wilderness of exile, foreshadowing later significant crossings. The "wilderness" itself is a powerful symbol of testing, purification, and a place where one is stripped of earthly comforts, forced to rely solely on divine providence. The overall tone of the verse is steeped in **pathos**, evoking deep sympathy for David and the suffering of his loyal subjects, highlighting the tragic consequences of rebellion and internal strife.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This poignant scene of David's flight from Jerusalem is deeply resonant with theological meaning, serving as a powerful illustration of divine judgment, human suffering, and God's enduring faithfulness even amidst chaos. It underscores the far-reaching consequences of sin, as David's humiliation is a direct fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy concerning the "sword" that would never depart from his house due to his actions with Bathsheba and Uriah. Yet, it also portrays David's humble acceptance of God's hand in his suffering, transforming a moment of weakness into a path of purification and deeper reliance on divine sovereignty. The loyalty of his followers, contrasting sharply with Absalom's betrayal, highlights the enduring power of covenant and fidelity in the face of adversity, pointing to the faithful remnant that God always preserves.

* [Psalm 3:1-8](/psalms/3 "Psalm 3 - A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son")
* [Psalm 42:1-11](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As the Deer Pants for Streams of Water")
* [2 Samuel 16:5-14](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5-14 - Shimei Curses David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of David's sorrowful exodus offers profound lessons for believers navigating personal and collective trials. It reminds us that even those chosen by God, like David, are not immune to suffering, betrayal, or the painful consequences of sin. We learn about resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity, as David, despite his humiliation, continues to trust in God's ultimate plan. The unwavering loyalty of his followers, who chose to endure hardship with their king, challenges us to consider the depth of our own faithfulness to Christ and to one another, especially in times of crisis. David's decision to flee Jerusalem to avoid bloodshed also provides a powerful example of sacrificial leadership, prioritizing the well-being of his people over his own immediate power or reputation. Ultimately, this narrative encourages us to recognize that periods of "wilderness" or exile in our lives, though painful, can be divinely appointed seasons for spiritual refinement, deeper dependence on God, and preparation for future restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we respond when faced with unexpected betrayal, especially from those closest to us, and how can David's example guide our reactions?**
* **What does David's willingness to flee, rather than fight within Jerusalem, teach us about leadership, conflict resolution, and prioritizing the welfare of others?**
* **In what ways might periods of "wilderness" or "exile" in our lives be opportunities for spiritual growth, deeper reliance on God, and the strengthening of our faith?**

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

Answer: David's decision to flee Jerusalem was primarily a strategic and compassionate one, aimed at preventing bloodshed within the holy city. He prioritized the lives of his innocent citizens and the sanctity of Jerusalem over his own immediate defense of the throne. By withdrawing, he avoided a devastating civil war within the capital. Furthermore, David likely recognized God's hand in these events, accepting the consequences of his past sins as a form of divine discipline. His subsequent humble acceptance of Shimei's curses ([2 Samuel 16:5-12 "2 Samuel 16:5-12 - Shimei Curses David"]) demonstrates his understanding that this humiliation was part of God's sovereign plan.

**What is the significance of the Brook Kidron?**

Answer: The Brook Kidron, a valley on the eastern side of Jerusalem, holds significant symbolic weight in biblical narratives. It served as a natural boundary and was often associated with ritual impurity, a place where idols and defiled objects were disposed of ([1 Kings 15:13 "1 Kings 15:13 - Asa Removes Maacah's Idol by Kidron"], [2 Kings 23:4-6 "2 Kings 23:4-6 - Josiah's Reforms and the Kidron Valley"]). For David, crossing the Kidron symbolized his departure from the holy city, a moment of profound humiliation and a passage into a period of defilement or distress. This same path would later be traversed by Jesus on the night of His betrayal, as He went from Jerusalem to the Garden of Gethsemane ([John 18:1 "John 18:1 - Jesus Crosses the Kidron"]), imbuing the Kidron with even deeper Christological significance.

**How does this event relate to David's earlier sins?**

Answer: David's flight from Absalom's rebellion is widely understood as a direct fulfillment of the prophecy delivered by Nathan the prophet after David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. Nathan declared that "the sword shall never depart from your house" and that trouble would arise from David's own household, with his wives being taken publicly ([2 Samuel 12:10-12 "2 Samuel 12:10-12 - Nathan's Prophecy of the Sword and Trouble"]). Absalom's rebellion, his public defilement of David's concubines on the palace roof ([2 Samuel 16:20-22 "2 Samuel 16:20-22 - Absalom Lies with David's Concubines"]), and David's subsequent flight are all presented as the bitter, painful consequences of those earlier transgressions, demonstrating God's justice and the far-reaching impact of sin, even upon the anointed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The sorrowful exodus of King David across the Brook Kidron, a scene of profound humiliation and national lament, powerfully prefigures the ultimate suffering and redemptive journey of the Messiah. David, God's anointed king, is driven from his throne by betrayal, mirroring how Jesus, the true King of Israel, would be rejected by His own people ([John 1:11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"]). The very Brook Kidron that David sorrowfully crossed in flight would later become the path Jesus deliberately took on the night of His betrayal, moving from the city to Gethsemane, a journey towards His passion and ultimate sacrifice ([John 18:1 "John 18:1 - Jesus Crosses the Kidron"]). David's temporary exile into the wilderness, a period of testing and purification, foreshadows Christ's willing descent into the "wilderness" of human suffering and death, not as a consequence of His own sin, but as the sinless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"]). While David's flight was a moment of weakness and a consequence of sin, Jesus' journey to the cross was an act of supreme strength and obedience, a deliberate step towards fulfilling God's redemptive plan. David's eventual restoration to his throne points to Christ's glorious resurrection and ascension, securing His eternal reign at the right hand of God ([Acts 2:32-36 "Acts 2:32-36 - Peter's Sermon on Christ's Resurrection and Ascension"]), establishing a kingdom that will never be overthrown ([Daniel 2:44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom"]).

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

2 Samuel 16:2

And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses [be] for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

1 Kings 2:37

For it shall be, [that] on the day thou goest out, and passest over the brook Kidron, thou shalt know for certain that thou shalt surely die: thy blood shall be upon thine own head.

John 18:1

¶ When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

Matthew 3:1

¶ In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

2 Chronicles 29:16

And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the LORD, to cleanse [it], and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the LORD into the court of the house of the LORD. And the Levites took [it], to carry [it] out abroad into the brook Kidron.

1 Kings 15:13

And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from [being] queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt [it] by the brook Kidron.

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.