2 Samuel 15:32

And it came to pass, that [when] David was come to the top [of the mount], where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:

And it came to pass, that when David {H1732} was come {H935} to the top {H7218} of the mount, where he worshipped {H7812} God {H430}, behold, Hushai {H2365} the Archite {H757} came to meet {H7125} him with his coat {H3801} rent {H7167}, and earth {H127} upon his head {H7218}:

When David reached the top of the ascent, where it was customary to worship God, Hushai the Arki came to meet him with his tunic torn and earth on his head.

When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.

And it came to pass, that, when David was come to the top of the ascent, where God was worshipped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head.

Commentary

2 Samuel 15:32 describes a poignant moment during King David's desperate flight from Jerusalem, fleeing the rebellion led by his own son, Absalom. This verse captures David's profound distress and his unwavering reliance on God, even as unexpected help arrives.

Context of 2 Samuel 15:32

Having been forced to abandon his throne and city by Absalom's swift and cunning coup, King David is seen ascending the Mount of Olives, weeping as he goes (as described in 2 Samuel 15:30). This is a moment of deep personal and national crisis for David. As he reaches the summit, a place where he paused to worship God, a significant encounter takes place. Hushai the Archite, a loyal friend and counselor, meets him, visibly distressed with his clothes torn and earth on his head—traditional signs of deep mourning and lament in the ancient Near East.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Answered Prayer: Just before this encounter, David had prayed that God would turn the counsel of Absalom's trusted advisor, Ahithophel, into foolishness (2 Samuel 15:31). Hushai's arrival is a direct and immediate answer to that prayer, as David would soon dispatch him back to Jerusalem to infiltrate Absalom's court and thwart Ahithophel's schemes (2 Samuel 16:16). This highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, even amidst political turmoil.
  • Loyalty Amidst Betrayal: While Absalom's rebellion represents profound betrayal, Hushai stands as a beacon of loyalty. His willingness to join David in his distress, even in such a perilous situation, underscores the value of faithful friendship and steadfast allegiance.
  • Worship in Adversity: David's act of worshipping God at the top of the mount, even in the midst of his flight and sorrow, showcases his deep faith. It demonstrates that true worship is not confined to temples or easy circumstances but is an expression of trust and dependence on God even in the darkest hours.
  • Human Vulnerability and God's Strength: The image of the powerful King David, weeping and fleeing, emphasizes human vulnerability. Yet, it is precisely in this moment of weakness that God provides strength and a strategic solution through Hushai.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The description of Hushai with his "coat rent, and earth upon his head" is a powerful visual. These actions were common expressions of extreme grief, sorrow, and humiliation in ancient Israel and the wider Near East. Tearing one's garment (qara`) and putting dust or ashes on one's head or sitting in them were public declarations of deep distress, often accompanying prayer or lament.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • Seek God in Every Circumstance: David's example encourages believers to turn to God in prayer and worship, especially during times of crisis and uncertainty.
  • Trust in God's Providence: Just as God provided Hushai as an answer to David's prayer, we can trust that God works in unexpected ways to fulfill His purposes and provide for His people.
  • Value Faithful Relationships: The story highlights the importance of loyal friends and allies who stand by us in difficult times, reflecting God's grace through human connections.

The arrival of Hushai marked a turning point, demonstrating that even when all seems lost, God can raise up unexpected helpers and orchestrate events for His divine plan, offering a powerful message of hope and divine intervention.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 16:2 (5 votes)

    And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,

  • 2 Samuel 1:2 (3 votes)

    It came even to pass on the third day, that, behold, a man came out of the camp from Saul with his clothes rent, and earth upon his head: and [so] it was, when he came to David, that he fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

  • Psalms 3:3 (3 votes)

    But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

  • Psalms 3:5 (3 votes)

    I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

  • 2 Samuel 15:30 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 3:7 (2 votes)

    Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [upon] the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

  • 1 Kings 8:44 (2 votes)

    If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whithersoever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto the LORD toward the city which thou hast chosen, and [toward] the house that I have built for thy name: