2 Samuel 15:30

And David went up by the ascent of [mount] Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that [was] with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

And David {H1732} went up {H5927} by the ascent {H4608} of mount Olivet {H2132}, and wept {H1058} as he went up {H5927}, and had his head {H7218} covered {H2645}, and he went {H1980} barefoot {H3182}: and all the people {H5971} that was with him covered {H2645} every man {H376} his head {H7218}, and they went up {H5927}, weeping {H1058} as they went up {H5927}.

David continued up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up, head covered and barefoot; and all the people with him had their heads covered and wept as they went up.

But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.

And David went up by the ascent of themount ofOlives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered, and went barefoot: and all the people that were with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

Commentary

2 Samuel 15:30 vividly portrays King David's profound sorrow and humiliation as he flees Jerusalem during his son Absalom's rebellion. This verse captures a raw moment of grief and vulnerability for the once-mighty king.

Context

This verse is set during the devastating rebellion led by David's own son, Absalom. David, rather than engaging in civil war within Jerusalem, chose to leave the city, allowing Absalom to enter unopposed. His ascent of Mount Olivet (or the Mount of Olives) was part of his escape route, leading him towards the wilderness. This was a direct fulfillment of the prophecy given by Nathan concerning the consequences of David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 12:11), where trouble would arise from within his own household. This flight marks a significant low point in David's reign and personal life.

Key Themes

  • Profound Grief and Humiliation: David's actions—weeping, covering his head, and going barefoot—were traditional signs of deep mourning, shame, and distress in ancient Israel. This was a public display of a king stripped of his dignity and facing the ultimate betrayal.
  • Consequences of Sin: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire narrative of Absalom's rebellion is often understood as a bitter harvest for David's earlier transgressions. This moment on Olivet underscores the painful realities of sin's far-reaching effects, even for a man after God's own heart.
  • Shared Suffering and Loyalty: The fact that "all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up" highlights the collective sorrow and loyalty of those who chose to remain with David, sharing in his humiliation and demonstrating their faithfulness to their beleaguered king.
  • Vulnerability of Leadership: This scene shatters the image of an invincible king, revealing David as a broken man, yet one still followed by faithful retainers despite his dire circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The actions described are culturally significant in the ancient Near East:

  • "Had his head covered": In many ancient cultures, covering the head was a common gesture of mourning, shame, or deep distress. It symbolized humility and a hiding from public view due to overwhelming grief or disgrace.
  • "Went barefoot": This was another powerful symbol of mourning, humility, and utter destitution. It signified a complete lack of comfort and a state of deep affliction, often associated with a penitent attitude before God or a profound sense of loss.

Practical Application

2 Samuel 15:30 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Acknowledging Pain: David, despite being a king, did not hide his sorrow. It reminds us that it is human to grieve and that acknowledging our pain, even publicly or before God, can be a part of healing and processing difficult experiences.
  • Facing Consequences: The verse implicitly points to the reality that actions have consequences. David's flight was a direct result of the turmoil sown within his family, a stark reminder that even those blessed by God are not immune to the repercussions of their choices.
  • Humility in Adversity: David's humble posture—barefoot and head covered—demonstrates a spirit of humility in the face of overwhelming adversity. This can be a powerful example for us when facing our own trials, encouraging a posture of dependence on God rather than self-reliance.
  • God's Presence in Suffering: Even in this moment of deep despair, David ultimately continued to trust in God's providence, as seen in subsequent events (e.g., 2 Samuel 16:12). This verse serves as a powerful testament to the human experience of sorrow, yet within a larger narrative of divine faithfulness and ultimate restoration.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Esther 6:12 (5 votes)

    ¶ And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

  • 2 Samuel 19:4 (4 votes)

    But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

  • Ezekiel 24:17 (3 votes)

    Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not [thy] lips, and eat not the bread of men.

  • Ezekiel 24:23 (3 votes)

    And your tires [shall be] upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another.

  • Isaiah 20:2 (3 votes)

    At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

  • Isaiah 20:4 (3 votes)

    So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with [their] buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.

  • Jeremiah 14:3 (3 votes)

    And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, [and] found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.