2 Samuel 15:25

KJV

And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me [both] it, and his habitation:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} said {H559} unto Zadok {H6659}, Carry back {H7725} the ark {H727} of God {H430} into the city {H5892}: if I shall find {H4672} favour {H2580} in the eyes {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, he will bring me again {H7725}, and shew {H7200} me both it, and his habitation {H5116}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The king said to Tzadok, "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in ADONAI's sight, he will bring me back and show me both it and the place where it is kept.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again.

American Standard Version

And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favor in the eyes of Jehovah, he will bring me again, and show me both it, and his habitation:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In a pivotal moment of crisis during Absalom's rebellion, King David, fleeing Jerusalem, issues a profound command to Zadok the priest regarding the Ark of God. This verse encapsulates David's deep theological understanding and humble submission to divine sovereignty, as he refuses to manipulate God's presence for personal gain or protection. Instead, he places his entire hope for restoration—both to his throne and to God's dwelling place—solely on the unmerited favor of the LORD, demonstrating a faith that transcends reliance on sacred objects.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a dramatic turning point in David's life, specifically within the narrative of Absalom's coup d'état in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"). Having been forced to abandon Jerusalem due to the overwhelming support Absalom garnered ([2 Samuel 15:13](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13 - Absalom's Following Grows")), David is in full flight. The priests Zadok and Abiathar, along with the Levites, demonstrate their loyalty by bringing the Ark of the Covenant out of the city, intending for it to accompany David. This gesture, while well-intentioned and born of loyalty, presents David with a theological dilemma: should he rely on the physical presence of the sacred Ark as a talisman, or should he trust in God's unseen, sovereign will? David's response in [2 Samuel 15:25](/2_samuel/15-25 "2 Samuel 15:25 - David's Command Regarding the Ark") is a powerful declaration of his faith, distinguishing his understanding of God's presence from a superstitious reliance on religious artifacts. His command to return the Ark sets the stage for a period of profound humility and dependence on God's unmerited favor, rather than human strategy or sacred symbols.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in ancient Israel, representing the very presence of Yahweh among His people ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Presence Above the Ark")). It had played a central role in Israel's history, from leading them in battle ([Numbers 10:33-36](/numbers/10-33 "Numbers 10:33-36 - The Ark Leads Israel")) to being captured by the Philistines when treated as a magical charm ([1 Samuel 4:3-11](/1_samuel/4-3 "1 Samuel 4:3-11 - The Ark Captured by Philistines")). David, having previously brought the Ark to Jerusalem with great celebration ([2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")), understood its profound spiritual significance. However, he also grasped that God's favor was not bound by the Ark's physical location or human manipulation. Kings in the ancient Near East often relied on divine omens or sacred objects for success in battle or political stability. David's decision to return the Ark to Jerusalem, the designated place of worship, demonstrates a sophisticated theological understanding that transcends common cultural practices of the time, emphasizing God's transcendence and sovereignty over any physical representation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Samuel and David's reign. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Trust**, demonstrating David's conviction that God's will, not human effort or the presence of a sacred object, ultimately determines outcomes. His conditional statement, "if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD," underscores a profound submission to God's providential leading, acknowledging that his fate rests entirely in God's hands. Secondly, the theme of **Humility and Submission** is prominent. Despite being the anointed king, David humbles himself before God, recognizing that his restoration to the throne and to Jerusalem, God's "habitation," is entirely dependent on God's unmerited favor. He is prepared to accept whatever outcome God deems fit, whether restoration or continued exile, embodying a spirit of profound dependence. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the understanding of **The Ark as a Symbol, Not a Guarantee**. David's command implicitly corrects the common misconception that the Ark could be used as a magical talisman. He recognized that while the Ark represented God's presence, it did not guarantee victory or protection apart from God's active will and favor, a lesson painfully learned by Israel in earlier times ([1 Samuel 4:3-11](/1_samuel/4-3 "1 Samuel 4:3-11 - The Ark Captured")). Finally, David's words convey a deep **Hope in God's Favor**. Even in the direst circumstances, facing betrayal and forced exile, David clings to the hope that God might still show him favor and restore him to his throne and the Ark's rightful place in Jerusalem, a hope rooted in his enduring relationship with the LORD.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Favour (Hebrew, _ḥēn_):** This word signifies grace, unmerited kindness, or divine disposition. In this context, David acknowledges that any positive outcome—his return to Jerusalem and his throne—would not be a result of his own merit, strategic cunning, or the Ark's presence, but solely due to God's gracious and unearned good will towards him. It underscores the concept of God's sovereign choice and benevolence.
* **Habitation (Hebrew, _māʿōn_):** This term refers to a dwelling place or abode. Here, it specifically denotes God's dwelling place, which at this time was the Tabernacle in Jerusalem, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. David's longing to return to "his habitation" is not merely a desire to return to the city, but to the very place where God's presence was manifested and where proper worship could be conducted. It speaks to his deep spiritual connection to the worship of Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city:"** David's immediate and decisive command. This instruction reveals his theological maturity. Unlike previous instances where Israel attempted to use the Ark as a military good luck charm ([1 Samuel 4:3](/1_samuel/4-3 "1 Samuel 4:3 - Israel Brings the Ark to Battle")), David understands that God's presence is not manipulated by human actions or physical proximity to a sacred object. He prioritizes the Ark's proper place in the Tabernacle within Jerusalem, recognizing that God's favor is not coerced.
* **"if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD,"** This is a crucial conditional clause, expressing David's profound humility and absolute dependence on God's will. It is not an expression of doubt, but rather a surrender to divine providence. David acknowledges that his return is contingent entirely upon God's unmerited grace and sovereign decision, not on his own strength, strategic brilliance, or even the loyalty of his followers.
* **"he will bring me again, and shew me [both] it, and his habitation:"** This phrase articulates David's ultimate hope and desire. "Bring me again" refers to his restoration to Jerusalem and his throne. "Shew me [both] it, and his habitation" signifies his longing to return to the Ark (symbolizing God's presence) and to the Tabernacle (God's dwelling place) in Jerusalem. This reveals that David's deepest desire is not merely political restoration, but spiritual restoration—to be back in the place of worship and in the manifest presence of God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Conditional Clause** ("if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD"), which serves to highlight David's absolute submission to divine will and his profound humility. This conditional statement underscores that David's hope is rooted not in his own power or the Ark's presence, but solely in God's unmerited grace. There is also strong **Symbolism** at play: the Ark of God symbolizes God's presence and covenant relationship with Israel, while "his habitation" symbolizes the place of worship and God's dwelling among His people. David's command to return the Ark, rather than taking it with him, also presents a subtle **Irony**; the king is fleeing his city, yet he sends back the most sacred symbol of God's presence to its rightful place, demonstrating a deeper faith in God's sovereignty than one who might cling to the artifact for security. This action contrasts sharply with previous historical misuses of the Ark, serving as a powerful theological statement within the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's command in 2 Samuel 15:25 is a profound theological statement, revealing a mature understanding of God's sovereignty and the nature of true worship. It teaches that God's presence and favor are not bound by physical objects or human manipulation, but are freely given according to His divine will. David's humility and complete reliance on God's "favor" (grace) in the face of utter crisis stands in stark contrast to a transactional view of faith. He acknowledges that his future, whether restoration or continued exile, rests entirely in God's hands, demonstrating a deep trust that transcends his immediate circumstances. This posture of surrender, even by an anointed king, serves as a powerful model for believers, emphasizing that true security and hope are found not in external symbols or personal control, but in humble submission to the all-wise and gracious God.

* [1 Samuel 4:3-11](/1_samuel/4-3 "1 Samuel 4:3-11 - The Ark Captured by Philistines"): This passage provides a stark contrast, illustrating the disastrous consequences of treating the Ark as a magical charm or guarantee of victory, rather than a symbol of God's sovereign presence.
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord"): David's words perfectly embody the wisdom of trusting in the Lord with all one's heart and not leaning on one's own understanding, acknowledging God in all ways.
* [Psalm 27:4](/psalm/27-4 "Psalm 27:4 - David's Desire to Dwell in God's House"): This psalm, often attributed to David, expresses a similar longing to dwell in the house of the Lord and behold His beauty, mirroring his desire to return to "his habitation" in 2 Samuel 15:25.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's response to crisis in 2 Samuel 15:25 offers enduring lessons for believers navigating their own trials. In moments of profound uncertainty, when our world seems to be crumbling around us, the temptation is often to grasp for control, to rely on our own strength, or to seek out tangible assurances. David, however, demonstrates a radical surrender, choosing to trust in God's unseen hand rather than the visible symbol of His presence. This challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies: in our resources, our plans, our religious rituals, or in the sovereign, unmerited favor of God. True faith, like David's, is marked by a deep humility that acknowledges our dependence on God and accepts His decisions, even when they lead us through painful or difficult paths. It reminds us that our relationship with God is paramount, far outweighing any external practice or object. Even when circumstances are dire, we can hold onto hope, knowing that God's favor can turn situations around, and His plans for us are ultimately for good, even if the immediate path involves exile and waiting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on external assurances or your own efforts, rather than surrendering to God's sovereign will?**
* **How does David's humility in this verse challenge your own approach to adversity and uncertainty?**
* **What does it mean to "find favour in the eyes of the LORD" in your daily walk, and how does it shape your expectations?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's unseen hand when your circumstances feel out of control?**

### FAQ
**Why did David send the Ark back to Jerusalem instead of keeping it with him for protection?**

Answer: David's decision to send the Ark back was a profound act of faith and theological discernment. He understood that the Ark, while symbolizing God's presence, was not a magical talisman to be used for personal protection or to manipulate divine intervention. Earlier in Israel's history, the Ark had been taken into battle and captured by the Philistines when treated as a good luck charm ([1 Samuel 4:3-11](/1_samuel/4-3 "1 Samuel 4:3-11 - The Ark Captured")). David, having brought the Ark to Jerusalem with great reverence ([2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")), knew its proper place was in the Tabernacle in the city, representing God's dwelling among His people. By sending it back, David demonstrated his trust in God's sovereign will, acknowledging that his fate rested solely on God's unmerited favor, not on the physical presence of the Ark. It was an act of humble submission, prioritizing God's honor and proper worship over his own immediate safety or strategic advantage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound act of faith and humility in 2 Samuel 15:25 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate trust and submission of Jesus Christ. David, the anointed king of Israel, is forced into exile by a rebellion, yet he trusts God for restoration, not relying on sacred objects or his own power. This mirrors Christ, the true Anointed One and King, who willingly endured rejection, suffering, and exile from the glory of heaven to accomplish God's redemptive plan ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). David's conditional statement, "if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again," echoes Christ's own submission to the Father's will, even unto death, trusting in the Father's favor for His resurrection and ultimate exaltation ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane"); [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). David's longing to return to "his habitation" and "the Ark" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the true dwelling place of God among humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"); [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). He is the ultimate "Ark," embodying God's presence, and through His sacrifice, He has opened the way for us to enter God's true "habitation" in the heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). David's hope in God's unmerited favor points directly to the grace (Hebrew _ḥēn_) that is freely given to all who believe in Christ, bringing restoration and eternal dwelling in God's presence ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")).

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

Jeremiah 25:30

¶ Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread [the grapes], against all the inhabitants of the earth.

Psalms 43:3

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

Psalms 43:4

Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

Psalms 84:10

For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Exodus 15:13

Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided [them] in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

Psalms 26:8

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Psalms 42:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.