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.

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.

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

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

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

2 Samuel 15:26 captures a profound moment of King David's humility and complete submission to God's will amidst the devastating rebellion led by his son, Absalom. This verse reveals David's heart in a time of severe personal and political crisis.

Context

This verse is spoken by King David as he flees Jerusalem, driven out by the treacherous coup orchestrated by his own son, Absalom. As David makes his escape, the priests Zadok and Abiathar bring the Ark of the Covenant out of the city, seemingly intending to accompany David into exile. However, David instructs them to return the Ark to Jerusalem, recognizing that its place is in the city, and that his fate, and the fate of the Ark, rest entirely in God's hands. David's decision to send the Ark back demonstrates 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). The preceding verses highlight the rapid rise of Absalom's conspiracy and David's urgent flight, setting the stage for this poignant declaration of surrender.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: David acknowledges that God is in ultimate control, even over the outcome of his kingship and his very life. He accepts that God's will, not his own desires or efforts, will determine his future. This profound trust echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 3:5-6, urging complete reliance on the Lord.
  • Humility and Submission: Despite being a king, David displays immense humility, laying aside his royal authority and personal ambition. He is willing to accept whatever God deems fit, whether it be restoration or continued suffering, even implying the loss of his throne or life.
  • Acceptance of God's Displeasure: The phrase "if he thus say, I have no delight in thee" reveals David's willingness 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.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "delight" here is Χ—ΦΈΧ€Φ΅Χ₯ (chaphets), which conveys the idea of taking pleasure in, desiring, or having favor towards someone or something. David's statement, "I have no delight in thee," directly addresses the possibility of God withdrawing His favor or pleasure from him. His response, "behold, [here am] I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him," signifies absolute resignation and surrender. It's a powerful declaration of letting go of control and trusting in the justice and wisdom of God's actions, whatever they may be.

Practical Application

David's attitude in 2 Samuel 15:26 offers a powerful example for believers facing trials and uncertainties. It teaches us to:

  • Surrender to God's Will: In times of difficulty, personal loss, or when our plans unravel, we are called to release our grip and trust in God's sovereign hand. This involves praying, "Thy will be done," as taught in Matthew 6:10.
  • Embrace Humility: Acknowledge that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. Our submission to Him demonstrates true faith and dependence.
  • Accept All Outcomes: Just as David was prepared for God to have "no delight" in him, we too must be ready to accept outcomes that are not what we desire, trusting that God's ultimate plan is good and just, even if it involves suffering or discipline. This posture leads to peace, knowing that we are in the hands of a loving and righteous God, even when the path is difficult.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 3:18 (6 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 62:4 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.