2 Samuel 15:26

KJV

But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, [here am] I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if he thus say {H559}, I have no delight {H2654} in thee; behold, here am I, let him do {H6213} to me as seemeth {H5869} good {H2896} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if he says, 'I am displeased with you,' then - here I am; let him do to me whatever seems good to him."

Berean Standard Bible

But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.”

American Standard Version

but if he say thus, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 15:26 captures King David's profound declaration of absolute surrender to God's sovereign will amidst the devastating rebellion orchestrated by his son, Absalom. As David flees Jerusalem, facing the potential loss of his throne and life, he articulates a posture of complete humility and trust, accepting whatever outcome God deems good, even the possibility of divine disfavor. This verse reveals the depth of David's faith and his unwavering commitment to God's ultimate authority, transcending his personal desires and royal prerogatives in a moment of extreme crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This poignant declaration by King David is situated within the dramatic narrative of Absalom's rebellion, which begins in [2 Samuel 15:1](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1 - Absalom's Conspiracy Begins"). David has been forced to flee Jerusalem, his capital, in a hasty and sorrowful exodus described in [2 Samuel 15:13-17](/2_samuel/15-13-17 "2 Samuel 15:13-17 - David Flees Jerusalem"). As he departs, the priests Zadok and Abiathar bring the Ark of the Covenant out of the city, intending to accompany David. However, David instructs them to return the Ark to Jerusalem, expressing his trust that if God is pleased with him, He will bring him back to see both the Ark and His dwelling place again ([2 Samuel 15:25](/2_samuel/15-25 "2 Samuel 15:25 - David's Trust Regarding the Ark")). Verse 26 immediately follows this instruction, serving as David's ultimate statement of submission, acknowledging that his fate, and the fate of the Ark, rests entirely in God's hands, regardless of the outcome.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's kingship was divinely ordained, established through a covenant that promised an enduring dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")). However, the stability of the monarchy in ancient Israel was often perceived as contingent upon the king's obedience and God's continued favor. Absalom's rebellion was not merely a political coup but a direct challenge to God's chosen king, reflecting a profound crisis of legitimacy and divine pleasure. For a king to be forced to flee his capital by his own son was a deeply humiliating and vulnerable position, often interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure or judgment. David's willingness to accept God's "no delight" in him reflects his understanding of God's absolute sovereignty, even over the divinely established kingship, and his readiness to submit to divine discipline or judgment, echoing the consequences foretold by Nathan for David's sin ([2 Samuel 12:10-12](/2_samuel/12-10-12 "2 Samuel 12:10-12 - Nathan's Prophecy of Judgment")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount; David acknowledges that God is in ultimate control of all circumstances, including the outcome of his kingship and his very life. He understands that God's will, not his own desires or efforts, will determine his future, a truth echoed throughout scripture, such as in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"). Secondly, **Humility and Submission** are profoundly displayed. Despite being the anointed king, David lays aside his royal authority and personal ambition, demonstrating a complete willingness to accept whatever God deems fit, whether restoration or continued suffering, even implying the potential loss of his throne or life. Lastly, the verse highlights the **Acceptance of God's Will, even if it involves Displeasure or Judgment**. The phrase "if he thus say, I have no delight in thee" reveals David's readiness to face the possibility of God's disfavor. He is prepared to accept adverse circumstances as a reflection of God's judgment or a lack of divine pleasure in him, a stark contrast to his earlier life where God's favor was so evident, and a testament to his profound trust in God's righteousness and wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Say (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** The Hebrew word `ʼâmar` (H559) is a primitive root meaning "to say," but used with great latitude to include answering, appointing, commanding, declaring, and determining. When David says, "But if he thus say," he refers to God's potential authoritative pronouncement of His will. This implies not merely a casual utterance but a divine decree, signifying God's sovereign right to declare His disposition towards David, whether favorable or not, and to act accordingly. David is acknowledging God's ultimate prerogative to speak and determine his fate.
* **Delight (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** The Hebrew word `châphêts` (H2654) means to incline to, to be pleased with, to desire, or to have favor towards. When David contemplates God saying, "I have no delight in thee," he is considering the most severe form of divine withdrawal – God's absolute disfavor or displeasure. This is not merely a lack of affection but a deliberate decision by God to not be pleased with David's state or actions, potentially leading to the removal of blessings or even judgment. David's willingness to consider this possibility underscores his profound submission to God's ultimate prerogative.
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** The Hebrew word `ṭôwb` (H2896) means good, pleasing, right, or beneficial in the widest sense. When David says, "let him do to me as seemeth good unto him," he acknowledges God's inherent goodness and righteousness. Even if God's actions appear harsh or lead to suffering from a human perspective, David trusts that whatever God does is ultimately just, right, and in accordance with His perfect will. This implies a belief that God's "good" is always truly good, even when it involves discipline or hardship, and is always for His divine purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee;":** David articulates the gravest potential outcome: God's explicit declaration of disfavor. This is not a statement of doubt in God's character, but a profound and honest acknowledgment of God's sovereign right to withdraw His favor, even from His anointed king, particularly in the context of David's past sins and the subsequent divine judgments foretold by Nathan. It demonstrates David's willingness to face the most painful truth about his standing before God.
* **"behold, [here am] I,":** This phrase is a powerful, concise declaration of David's utter availability and submission. It signifies a complete yielding of control, a posture of readiness to accept whatever God's will might entail. It is an echo of a servant standing before their master, awaiting instruction, or a child before a parent, ready to obey. David effectively says, "I am here, completely at your disposal, O Lord."
* **"let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.":** This final clause seals David's complete surrender. He relinquishes all personal desire for a specific outcome, placing his life, his throne, and his future entirely into God's hands. He trusts that whatever God chooses to do, it will be "good" – righteous, just, and ultimately for His divine purposes, even if it means personal suffering or loss for David. This is an ultimate expression of faith in God's perfect wisdom and justice.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. A prominent one is the **Conditional Clause** ("But if he thus say..."), which highlights David's contemplation of a potential negative outcome, demonstrating his realistic and humble assessment of his situation before God. This is contrasted with the implied **Antithesis** of God's previous delight in him, creating a tension between past favor and a present willingness to accept disfavor. The phrase "behold, [here am] I" acts as a form of **Prostration** or ultimate humility, signifying a complete physical and spiritual yielding to a higher authority, much like a servant awaiting a master's command. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Theological Irony** at play: David, the divinely appointed king, demonstrates profound submission to God, while his son Absalom, who seeks to usurp power, embodies rebellion against both human and divine authority. This contrast underscores the true nature of kingship as defined by God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's radical submission in 2 Samuel 15:26 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and human dependence. It echoes the biblical truth that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")). David, despite being God's chosen king and a man after God's own heart, acknowledges that his life, his reign, and his very destiny are entirely at God's disposal. This posture of complete surrender in the face of immense personal crisis exemplifies true faith – a willingness to accept God's will, even when it involves suffering, loss, or apparent divine displeasure. It is a testament to the fact that genuine trust in God means accepting His right to do as He pleases, confident that His "good" is always ultimately righteous and wise, even when it is painful. This attitude anticipates the ultimate act of submission found in the New Testament.

* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Job's Response to Loss") – "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
* [Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus in Gethsemane") – "And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'"
* [Romans 9:20-21](/romans/9-20-21 "Romans 9:20-21 - God's Sovereignty Over Creation") – "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?' Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's declaration in 2 Samuel 15:26 offers a timeless and powerful example for believers navigating the complexities of life, particularly when facing trials, uncertainties, and the unraveling of personal plans. In moments where we feel a loss of control, when circumstances seem to conspire against us, or when our deepest desires are thwarted, David's response calls us to a radical posture of surrender. It challenges us to release our grip on our own expectations and trust in God's sovereign hand, even when His will seems contrary to our own. This involves embracing humility, acknowledging that God's ways are infinitely higher and wiser than ours, and accepting that His ultimate plan is good and just, even if it involves suffering or discipline. By adopting David's "here am I" stance, we find peace not in the absence of trouble, but in the assurance that we are securely in the hands of a loving and righteous God, who works all things for His glory and our ultimate good, even when the path is difficult and our understanding limited.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when God's will seems to contradict my own desires or plans?**
* **In what specific areas of my life am I currently struggling to surrender control to God?**
* **How does David's profound humility in this verse challenge my own tendencies towards pride or self-reliance?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to believe that God "delights" in me, even when I am experiencing hardship or perceived divine displeasure?**

### FAQ
**Was David truly prepared for God to "have no delight" in him, or was this hyperbole?**

Answer: David's statement in 2 Samuel 15:26 is not hyperbole but reflects a profound and honest wrestling with God's sovereignty and the consequences of sin. While David knew God's covenant promises to him regarding his dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), he also deeply understood the conditional nature of divine favor for individuals and the severe consequences of his own past sins, as prophesied by Nathan ([2 Samuel 12:10-12](/2_samuel/12-10-12 "2 Samuel 12:10-12 - Nathan's Prophecy of Judgment")). His willingness to accept the possibility of God's disfavor demonstrates not a lack of faith in God's covenant, but a radical trust in God's absolute righteousness and justice. It is a posture of humility that accepts *any* outcome as from God's hand, demonstrating absolute submission to divine prerogative, even if it means personal suffering or loss of his kingdom. It's a testament to his belief that God's judgment, though painful, is always just.

**How does this verse relate to God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7)?**

Answer: This verse beautifully illustrates the interplay between God's unconditional covenant with David and the conditional experience of individual kings within that covenant. God's covenant in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant") promised an enduring dynasty for David, an unconditional promise that would ultimately find its fulfillment in Christ. However, the covenant also contained provisions for divine discipline for David's descendants if they sinned ([2 Samuel 7:14-15](/2_samuel/7-14-15 "2 Samuel 7:14-15 - Discipline for David's House")). David's posture in 2 Samuel 15:26 shows his understanding that even within the framework of God's unconditional promise for his lineage, his personal well-being and the immediate stability of his reign were still contingent on God's pleasure and his own faithfulness. He recognizes God's sovereign freedom to act, even over His own promises, in ways that might involve temporary withdrawal of favor or discipline for sin. Thus, David's submission is not a denial of the covenant, but an affirmation of God's ultimate authority and a humble acceptance of His righteous governance, even over His chosen king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's profound declaration of surrender in 2 Samuel 15:26, "But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, [here am] I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, though a man after God's own heart, was a fallen king whose suffering was often a consequence of his own sin. Yet, his willingness to accept God's potential "no delight" foreshadows the spotless Lamb of God, Jesus, who perfectly embodied this submission. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), echoing David's surrender but with perfect obedience. Christ, who knew no sin, became sin for us, bearing the full weight of God's holy wrath and "no delight" on the cross, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). David's "here am I" in the face of potential judgment points to Jesus' perfect "Behold, I have come to do your will, O God" ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Obedience")), leading Him to the cross for our salvation. David's temporary flight and apparent loss of kingdom ultimately led to his restoration, but Christ's willing suffering and apparent defeat on Calvary led to His glorious resurrection and eternal reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Christ as King of Kings")), securing the ultimate, everlasting delight of God for all who believe in Him.

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

1 Samuel 3:18

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

1 Kings 10:9

Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the LORD loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.

2 Samuel 22:20

He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Numbers 14:8

If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.

2 Chronicles 9:8

Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, [to be] king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice.

Jeremiah 32:41

Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.