2 Samuel 15:27

KJV

The king said also unto Zadok the priest, [Art not] thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.

KJV (with Strong's)

The king {H4428} said {H559} also unto Zadok {H6659} the priest {H3548}, Art not thou a seer {H7200}? return {H7725} into the city {H5892} in peace {H7965}, and your two {H8147} sons {H1121} with you, Ahimaaz {H290} thy son {H1121}, and Jonathan {H3083} the son {H1121} of Abiathar {H54}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king then said to Tzadok the cohen, "Do you see? Return to the city in peace, your two sons with you - Achima'atz your own son and Y'honatan the son of Evyatar.

Berean Standard Bible

The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan.

American Standard Version

The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art thou not a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 15:27 captures a pivotal moment in King David's flight from Absalom's rebellion, showcasing his profound faith and strategic genius. As Jerusalem falls to his rebellious son, David instructs Zadok the priest, whom he affirms as a "seer" or one possessing divine insight, to return to the city. This command is not a simple dismissal but a critical strategic maneuver, entrusting Zadok and his two sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, with the vital and dangerous mission of intelligence gathering within the rebel-held capital, thereby demonstrating David's unwavering reliance on God's sovereignty and his shrewd leadership in crisis.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic and sorrowful narrative of Absalom's usurpation of the throne and King David's hurried departure from Jerusalem. The immediate preceding verses (2 Samuel 15:13-17) describe David's exodus, accompanied by his loyal household and military. Significantly, Zadok and Abiathar, the chief priests, appear with the Ark of the Covenant, intending to accompany the king (2 Samuel 15:24). David's response is a profound act of faith: he commands the Ark to be returned to Jerusalem, declaring, "If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, 'I have no pleasure in you,' then let him do to me what seems good to him" ([2 Samuel 15:25-26](/2_samuel/15-25-26 "2 Samuel 15:25-26 - David Sends the Ark Back")). Verse 27 immediately follows this declaration, detailing David's specific charge to Zadok, highlighting his spiritual capacity and the crucial strategic role he and his sons are to play in the unfolding crisis. This sequence underscores David's reliance on divine providence even as he enacts practical, human measures for his survival and eventual restoration.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop is a full-scale, deeply painful rebellion led by David's own son, Absalom. David's flight from Jerusalem signifies a temporary loss of his throne and capital, forcing him into a vulnerable and precarious position. In ancient Israel, priests like Zadok held significant spiritual authority and often served as key advisors to the king, mediating between God and the people. The term "seer" (Hebrew: *ro'eh*) was an early designation for a prophet, indicating one who receives divine revelation or possesses spiritual insight, predating the more common term *navi*. David's acknowledgment of Zadok as a "seer" highlights Zadok's recognized spiritual discernment and trustworthiness, making him uniquely qualified for a covert intelligence mission. The inclusion of the sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, reflects the common practice of family involvement in critical tasks and their specific role as swift and reliable messengers, a role that becomes vital later in the narrative (e.g., [2 Samuel 17:17-21](/2_samuel/17-17-21 "2 Samuel 17:17-21 - Ahimaaz and Jonathan as Messengers")).

* **Key Themes:** Several major themes converge powerfully in this verse. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Trust** are paramount; David's decision to send the Ark back to Jerusalem, rather than treating it as a protective talisman, demonstrates his profound trust in God's ultimate control over his destiny and the outcome of the rebellion. He relies on God's favor, not on a physical object, to restore him, echoing his faith in earlier trials (e.g., [1 Samuel 17:45-47](/1_samuel/17-45-47 "1 Samuel 17:45-47 - David's Trust in God Against Goliath")). Secondly, **Strategic Leadership in Crisis** is vividly displayed; despite his personal distress and the chaos of flight, David remains a shrewd and proactive leader. He recognizes the critical need for intelligence from within the city and leverages the unique position and loyalty of Zadok and his sons to establish a vital communication channel, a strategy that proves instrumental in thwarting Absalom's plans (as seen in [2 Samuel 17:1-14](/2_samuel/17-1-14 "2 Samuel 17:1-14 - Hushai's Counsel")). Thirdly, the **Prophetic and Discerning Role of the Priesthood** is emphasized; David's rhetorical question, "Art not thou a seer?", affirms Zadok's spiritual insight, elevating his role beyond mere ritualistic duties to one of active discernment and perception of God's will, crucial for understanding the true state of affairs in Jerusalem. Finally, **Loyalty and Trust** are foundational, as Zadok, Abiathar, and their sons demonstrate unwavering faithfulness to David, willingly undertaking a dangerous mission that could cost them their lives, underscoring the deep bonds of allegiance that persisted even in the face of widespread defection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seer (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This term (H7200), derived from the primitive root meaning "to see," refers to one who perceives, discerns, or has insight, often implying prophetic ability or the capacity to understand God's will. In ancient Israel, *ro'eh* was an early title for a prophet (e.g., [1 Samuel 9:9](/1_samuel/9-9 "1 Samuel 9:9 - The Seer and the Prophet")). David's rhetorical question, "Art not thou a seer?", is not a genuine inquiry but a powerful affirmation of Zadok's recognized spiritual capacity and discerning wisdom, making him uniquely suited for a mission requiring keen observation and interpretation of events.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** While commonly translated as "peace," *shalom* (H7965) encompasses a much broader concept of wholeness, well-being, prosperity, completeness, and safety. When David tells Zadok to "return into the city in peace," it signifies not only a hope for his physical safety but also for the successful and unhindered execution of his mission. It implies that Zadok's return is part of God's plan for David's restoration and the eventual re-establishment of order, suggesting a divinely favored outcome for his dangerous task.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king said also unto Zadok the priest":** This phrase establishes David's direct and authoritative command to Zadok, highlighting the personal nature and profound importance of this crucial instruction. It underscores Zadok's prominence and David's reliance on him as a trusted spiritual and strategic advisor, distinguishing him from the general populace fleeing with the king.
* **"[Art not] thou a seer?":** This is a powerful rhetorical question, functioning as a strong affirmation rather than a genuine inquiry. David is essentially stating, "Surely you are a seer!" This acknowledges Zadok's recognized spiritual discernment and prophetic insight, which David deems essential for the sensitive intelligence-gathering mission he is about to entrust to him. It implies that Zadok possesses the spiritual acumen to perceive God's hand in the unfolding events and to interpret the political landscape accurately, beyond mere physical observation.
* **"return into the city in peace":** This is the core instruction, a command for Zadok to go back to Jerusalem, the very heart of the rebellion and a place of immense danger for David's loyalists. The phrase "in peace" conveys David's desire for Zadok's physical safety and the successful completion of his mission, implying that his return is part of a divinely ordained plan for David's ultimate restoration. It also subtly suggests a covert operation, where Zadok must maintain a facade of normalcy to effectively gather information without arousing suspicion.
* **"and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar":** David explicitly includes the sons of both Zadok and Abiathar in this perilous mission. This detail is crucial, as these young men will later serve as vital, swift, and reliable messengers, risking their lives to relay critical intelligence from Jerusalem back to David (e.g., [2 Samuel 17:17-21](/2_samuel/17-17-21 "2 Samuel 17:17-21 - Ahimaaz and Jonathan's Escape")). Their inclusion underscores the paramount importance of secure and timely communication in times of crisis and highlights the intergenerational loyalty within these priestly families to David.

#### Literary Devices
The passage effectively employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. A prominent device is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Art not thou a seer?"), which David uses not to elicit information but to make a forceful affirmation of Zadok's known spiritual capacity and discerning wisdom. This device underscores David's profound trust and the strategic value he places on Zadok's unique abilities. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as the explicit mention of Zadok's and Abiathar's sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, subtly hints at their future, active, and crucial role as messengers in relaying intelligence back to David, which becomes vital for his survival in later chapters. The entire scene is imbued with **Dramatic Irony**, as David, the fleeing king in a moment of apparent weakness and vulnerability, is in fact orchestrating a sophisticated counter-intelligence operation from afar, demonstrating his enduring strategic brilliance and reliance on divine aid even in the face of profound personal and political upheaval.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
David's instruction to Zadok in 2 Samuel 15:27 is deeply rooted in his profound trust in God's sovereign plan, even amidst the chaos of rebellion. By sending the Ark back to Jerusalem (as seen in the preceding verses) and entrusting Zadok with a mission of spiritual discernment and intelligence, David demonstrates that his hope is not in physical symbols or human might, but in the Lord's ultimate control over his destiny. This act of faith, combined with strategic action, illustrates a mature understanding of divine providence—God works through human means, but His will is supreme. David's recognition of Zadok as a "seer" also highlights the value of spiritual insight and discernment in leadership, particularly during times of crisis. It underscores that God often uses those with spiritual gifts to guide and inform, even in seemingly secular or strategic matters, affirming that true wisdom comes from above.

* [Psalm 3:1-8](/psalms/3 "Psalm 3 - A Psalm of David's Deliverance") This psalm, often associated with David's flight from Absalom, powerfully expresses David's trust in God as his shield and deliverer, even when surrounded by many foes.
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel") "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This proverb resonates with David's strategic use of Zadok and Hushai to gather intelligence and provide counsel, demonstrating the wisdom of seeking discerning input.
* [1 Corinthians 12:10](/1_corinthians/12-10 "1 Corinthians 12:10 - Discernment of Spirits") This New Testament passage speaks of the spiritual gift of discernment, paralleling David's recognition of Zadok's ability to perceive spiritual realities and God's will in complex situations.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's actions in 2 Samuel 15:27 offer profound lessons for believers navigating personal and collective crises. His decision to send the Ark back to Jerusalem, rather than clinging to it as a good luck charm, exemplifies a robust faith that trusts God's sovereignty above all else. This challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate reliance: on our own resources, clever strategies, or even spiritual symbols, rather than on the living God who orchestrates all things for His purposes. In moments of great uncertainty, like David, we are called to combine unwavering faith with wise, strategic action, utilizing the gifts and loyalties of those around us. Furthermore, David's valuing of Zadok's spiritual discernment reminds us of the importance of recognizing and heeding those within our communities who possess spiritual insight and wisdom, especially when facing difficult decisions. True leadership, whether in the church, family, or workplace, involves humility to seek and appreciate such counsel, understanding that God often speaks through His anointed ones, guiding us toward His "shalom" even in the midst of turmoil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on a "talisman" or your own control, rather than fully trusting God's sovereignty?**
* **How can you cultivate greater spiritual discernment in your own life, and how can you recognize and value it in others?**
* **When facing a crisis, how do you balance active, strategic planning with humble reliance on God's will?**
* **What does Zadok's loyalty teach us about faithfulness to God-given authority and to one another in times of adversity?**

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

Answer: David sent the Ark back to Jerusalem (as detailed in [2 Samuel 15:25](/2_samuel/15-25 "2 Samuel 15:25 - David Sends the Ark Back")) as an act of profound faith and trust in God's sovereignty. He did not want to treat the Ark as a magical charm or a good luck token that would guarantee his victory or safety. Instead, he believed that if he found favor in the eyes of the Lord, God Himself would bring him back to Jerusalem and allow him to see the Ark again. This decision underscored his reliance on God's will and presence, rather than on the physical symbol of the Ark, demonstrating a mature theological understanding that God is not manipulated by objects but acts according to His divine purpose.

**What was Zadok's specific mission when David sent him back to Jerusalem?**

Answer: Zadok's mission was primarily one of intelligence gathering and covert support for David. By asking, "Art not thou a seer?", David affirmed Zadok's spiritual discernment, implying that Zadok could perceive the true state of affairs within Absalom's camp and God's hand in them. Zadok, along with Abiathar and their sons, were to remain in Jerusalem and act as David's eyes and ears, relaying crucial information about Absalom's plans and movements back to David through their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan. This strategic intelligence proved vital for David's survival and eventual return to power, as seen in [2 Samuel 17:15-22](/2_samuel/17-15-22 "2 Samuel 17:15-22 - Ahimaaz and Jonathan Relay Information").

**Why were Zadok's and Abiathar's sons included in this dangerous mission?**

Answer: The sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, were included because they were swift and reliable messengers, crucial for relaying sensitive information between Zadok and Abiathar in Jerusalem and David, who was in exile. In an era without modern communication, trusted human messengers were indispensable for maintaining contact and sharing intelligence. Their youth, agility, and loyalty made them ideal for traversing the dangerous routes between Jerusalem and David's location, often at great personal risk, as vividly depicted in their perilous journey to warn David in [2 Samuel 17:17-21](/2_samuel/17-17-21 "2 Samuel 17:17-21 - Ahimaaz and Jonathan's Escape"). Their inclusion highlights the critical role of secure and timely communication in times of political upheaval and the intergenerational commitment to the king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's flight and his trust in God's sovereignty, as encapsulated in 2 Samuel 15:27, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate journey and kingship of Jesus Christ. David, the anointed king, is forced to flee his capital, relying on divine favor and the loyalty of a faithful few. This prefigures Christ, the true King of Israel, who also experienced rejection and flight, ultimately laying down His life in perfect submission to His Father's will, even praying, "[not my will, but yours be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")". David's recognition of Zadok as a "seer" points to Christ as the ultimate Prophet, who perfectly discerns and reveals the will of God, being the very Word made flesh who "[no one has seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")". Furthermore, Zadok's priestly role, combined with his discerning wisdom, points to Jesus as our Great High Priest, who "[sympathizes with our weaknesses](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest's Sympathy")" and perfectly intercedes for us from the heavenly sanctuary. David's strategic leadership in preserving his kingdom, even in exile, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's victory over sin and death, establishing an eternal kingdom that "[will never be destroyed](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Kingdom of God")" and whose King reigns forever. The unwavering loyalty of Zadok and his sons, risking their lives for their king, mirrors the call to radical loyalty to Christ, who teaches, "[Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")", a love He Himself exemplified on the cross. Thus, David's crisis and his faith-filled response serve as a profound Old Testament type, pointing to the greater King and His redemptive work.

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 9:9

(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for [he that is] now [called] a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

2 Samuel 17:17

Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

1 Chronicles 25:5

All these [were] the sons of Heman the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.

2 Samuel 15:36

Behold, [they have] there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's [son], and Jonathan Abiathar's [son]; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.

2 Samuel 15:34

But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; [as] I [have been] thy father's servant hitherto, so [will] I now also [be] thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.

2 Samuel 24:11

For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David's seer, saying,