2 Samuel 15:28

See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.

See {H7200}, I will tarry {H4102} in the plain {H6160}{H5679} of the wilderness {H4057}, until there come {H935} word {H1697} from you to certify {H5046} me.

I will wait on the desert plains until a message with new information comes from you."

See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.โ€

See, I will tarry at the fords of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:28 KJV

2 Samuel 15:28 KJV: "See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me."

Context

This verse is spoken by King David during one of the most tumultuous periods of his reign: Absalom's rebellion. David has been forced to flee Jerusalem as his son Absalom, with the aid of Ahithophel, stages a coup (2 Samuel 15:13). As David departs the city, the priests Zadok and Abiathar bring the Ark of the Covenant, intending to accompany him. However, David wisely instructs them to return the Ark to Jerusalem. His reasoning is twofold: he trusts in God's will concerning his return, and he plans to use the priests and their sons (Ahimaaz and Jonathan) as intelligence gatherers within the capital. David's statement in verse 28 outlines his strategic waiting point โ€“ the "plain of the wilderness" โ€“ a strategic location near the Jordan River or the Kidron Valley, offering both a degree of safety and proximity for receiving crucial updates from the city.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Prudence and Leadership: David demonstrates remarkable foresight and wisdom in a crisis. Instead of rushing headlong, he establishes a secure waiting position and sets up a vital intelligence network. This highlights his experience as a military leader and king.
  • Trust and Loyalty: David places immense trust in the priests Zadok and Abiathar, as well as their sons, to carry out a dangerous mission of espionage. This speaks to the strong bonds of loyalty he had cultivated with his key figures, even amidst widespread betrayal.
  • Dependence on God's Providence: While David is actively strategizing, his decision to send the Ark back to Jerusalem underscores his ultimate reliance on God's sovereignty. He believes that if God wills it, he will be brought back to see the Ark and its dwelling place (2 Samuel 15:25). His waiting is not passive but an act of faith, anticipating God's hand in the unfolding events.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Tarry" (Hebrew: ื™ึธืฉึทืื‘, yashab): This word means "to sit," "to dwell," "to remain," or "to wait." In this context, it signifies David's intention to establish a temporary dwelling place and patiently await news, rather than continuing his flight.
  • "Plain of the wilderness" (Hebrew: ืขึทืจึฐื‘ื•ึนืช ื”ึทืžึดึผื“ึฐื‘ึธึผืจ, aravot ha-midbar): This refers to the arid plains, likely the Arabah or the plains bordering the Jordan River. It was a suitable place for an army to encamp and wait, offering some concealment and access to routes.
  • "Certify me" (Hebrew: ื”ึทื’ึดึผื™ื“, haggid): Literally, "to tell me" or "to report to me." David is waiting for confirmed, reliable intelligence that will inform his next move, emphasizing the importance of accurate communication in times of war.

Practical Application

David's actions in 2 Samuel 15:28 offer several timeless lessons:

  • The Value of Strategic Patience: In times of crisis or uncertainty, it is often wise to pause, assess the situation, and wait for clear direction rather than making impulsive decisions. David's "tarrying" was not idleness but a calculated part of his strategy.
  • Cultivating Trusted Relationships: David relied heavily on his loyal network. This highlights the importance of building and maintaining relationships with trustworthy individuals who can provide support, counsel, and honest information when you need it most.
  • Active Waiting on God: While we rely on God's providence, we are also called to act prudently and responsibly with the resources and wisdom He provides. David didn't just wait; he set up an intelligence operation, demonstrating that faith often works in conjunction with wise human effort. This echoes the concept of faith without works being dead.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 17:16 (5 votes)

    Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that [are] with him.

  • 2 Samuel 15:23 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 17:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

  • 2 Samuel 16:2 (2 votes)

    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.