2 Samuel 15:32

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 15:32 captures a profoundly poignant moment during King David's desperate flight from Jerusalem, as he flees the rebellion orchestrated by his own son, Absalom. This verse portrays David at the summit of the Mount of Olives, engaging in worship amidst his profound distress, just as his loyal counselor, Hushai the Archite, arrives, visibly demonstrating deep grief with torn clothes and earth on his head. This unexpected encounter immediately follows David's prayer for divine intervention against Absalom's advisor, Ahithophel, setting the stage for God's providential counter-strategy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion, which begins in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins"). Immediately preceding 2 Samuel 15:32, David has been forced to abandon his throne and flee Jerusalem, weeping as he ascends the Mount of Olives with his head covered and barefoot, a powerful image of lament and humiliation ([2 Samuel 15:30](/2_samuel/15-30 "2 Samuel 15:30 - David's Sorrowful Ascent")). Just before Hushai's arrival, David offers a desperate prayer that the Lord would "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" ([2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Against Ahithophel")). Hushai's sudden appearance is presented as a direct, almost immediate, answer to this prayer, foreshadowing his crucial role in thwarting Absalom's plans and ultimately leading to Ahithophel's demise ([2 Samuel 17:23](/2_samuel/17-23 "2 Samuel 17:23 - Ahithophel's Suicide")). The scene transitions from David's personal lament to the beginning of God's strategic intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Absalom's rebellion was a swift and cunning coup, exploiting David's perceived weaknesses and the people's desire for a new leader. David's flight from Jerusalem was an act of strategic retreat to avoid bloodshed in the capital, but it was also a deeply humiliating experience for a king. The Mount of Olives, located just east of Jerusalem, was a significant geographical feature, often associated with worship and prophetic events. David's ascent signifies his departure from the city and his reliance on God. Hushai's appearance with "coat rent, and earth upon his head" are potent visual cues of extreme grief, sorrow, and humiliation in the ancient Near East. Tearing one's garment (Hebrew: _qara'_) was a public declaration of deep distress, often accompanying lament or prayer, while placing dust or ashes on one's head was another common expression of mourning, repentance, or profound despair, signifying a state of abject humility before God or man. These actions communicated a shared sense of crisis and solidarity with David's plight.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Book of 2 Samuel - David's Reign"):
* **Divine Providence and Answered Prayer:** The most striking theme is God's active involvement in human affairs. David's prayer in [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Against Ahithophel") is immediately followed by Hushai's arrival, which is subsequently revealed as the means by which God would "frustrate the good counsel of Ahithophel" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - God Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). This highlights God's sovereign hand orchestrating events, even amidst political turmoil and personal despair, to fulfill His purposes.
* **Loyalty Amidst Betrayal:** While Absalom's rebellion represents profound familial and national betrayal, Hushai stands as a beacon of unwavering loyalty. His willingness to join David in his distress, even in such a perilous situation, underscores the value of faithful friendship and steadfast allegiance, contrasting sharply with the treachery of Absalom and Ahithophel.
* **Worship in Adversity:** David's act of worshipping God at the top of the mount, even in the midst of his flight, sorrow, and uncertainty, showcases his deep, abiding 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, a theme prevalent throughout the Psalms, many of which are attributed to David.
* **Human Vulnerability and God's Strength:** The image of the powerful King David, weeping and fleeing, emphasizes human vulnerability and the fragility of earthly power. Yet, it is precisely in this moment of weakness and despair that God provides strength and a strategic solution through an unexpected helper, demonstrating that God's power is often made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Worshipped (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** This verb means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to worship." It implies an act of humble submission and reverence before a superior, in this case, God. David's act of worship at the top of the mount, a place of vulnerability and despair, is highly significant. It is not a formal temple ritual but a spontaneous, heartfelt expression of dependence and adoration. It underscores his deep personal faith and his conviction that even in his lowest point, God remained sovereign and worthy of praise. This act transforms a moment of flight into an altar of trust.
* **Rent (Hebrew, _qara'_):** This verb means "to tear" or "to rip." In the context of clothing, it is a powerful, non-verbal expression of intense grief, mourning, distress, or indignation in ancient Israel and the wider Near East. Hushai's torn coat signifies his profound sorrow and solidarity with David's plight. It communicates a state of shock and lament, indicating that he is deeply affected by the king's misfortune and the national crisis. This visual detail immediately conveys the gravity of the situation and Hushai's emotional state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount":** This phrase establishes the setting and the progression of David's flight. The "mount" refers to the Mount of Olives, a significant geographical and spiritual landmark east of Jerusalem. David's arrival at its summit marks a physical and emotional peak in his journey of lament, having just ascended it weeping and barefoot. It signifies a temporary pause in his desperate flight, a moment of transition.
* **"where he worshipped God":** This is a crucial detail, revealing David's spiritual state amidst his crisis. Despite being a king in exile, stripped of his dignity and fleeing for his life, David's immediate response upon reaching this vantage point is to worship God. This spontaneous act of devotion highlights his unwavering faith and dependence on the Lord, demonstrating that his relationship with God transcends circumstances and formal settings. It is an act of trust and submission in the face of overwhelming adversity.
* **"behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him":** The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) signals an unexpected and significant event. Hushai, identified as "the Archite" (from a clan in Benjamin, near Bethel), is a trusted friend and counselor of David. His sudden appearance at this precise moment, immediately after David's prayer in the preceding verse, is presented as a divinely orchestrated encounter, a direct answer to David's plea for God to thwart Ahithophel's counsel. His arrival introduces a pivotal character who will play a strategic role in the unfolding events.
* **"with his coat rent, and earth upon his head":** This vivid description portrays Hushai's outward appearance, mirroring the deep distress of the king and the nation. "Coat rent" (torn garment) and "earth upon his head" are traditional, highly symbolic expressions of deep mourning, sorrow, humiliation, and lament in ancient Israel. These actions communicate Hushai's profound grief, his solidarity with David's suffering, and the gravity of the national crisis. It shows he is not merely a messenger but a loyal friend sharing in the king's anguish.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 15:32 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Juxtaposition** is central, as David's act of worship, a spiritual expression of faith and trust, is set against the backdrop of his physical flight and profound personal distress. This contrast highlights the depth of David's devotion and God's accessibility even in the direst circumstances. The verse also uses **Symbolism** through Hushai's appearance: his "coat rent, and earth upon his head" are potent visual symbols of deep mourning, lament, and solidarity with suffering. These actions communicate, without words, the gravity of the situation and Hushai's profound emotional state. Furthermore, the sudden arrival of Hushai, immediately following David's prayer against Ahithophel, serves as a form of **Dramatic Irony** and **Foreshadowing**. While David and the reader may initially see Hushai's arrival as merely a loyal friend appearing, the narrative subtly hints at his divinely appointed role in frustrating Absalom's plans, a role that will become explicit in the subsequent chapters. The use of "behold" (Hebrew: _hinneh_) also functions as a **Narrative Marker**, drawing the reader's attention to the sudden and significant nature of Hushai's unexpected appearance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the principle of divine providence, where God actively intervenes in human affairs, often through unexpected means and in response to faithful prayer. David, at his lowest point, turns to God in worship and prayer, and immediately, God provides a strategic answer in the form of Hushai. This highlights that God is not distant from our struggles but is intricately involved, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, even when circumstances seem chaotic and hopeless. It underscores that true faith is demonstrated not by the absence of struggle, but by turning to God in the midst of it, trusting in His sovereignty and provision.

* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God's Purpose in Evil")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 15:32 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers facing adversity. David's spontaneous act of worship at the peak of his crisis serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is not merely for times of ease but is most profoundly tested and expressed during moments of intense difficulty. It challenges us to cultivate a habit of turning to God in prayer and adoration even when our world is falling apart, recognizing His sovereignty above all circumstances. Furthermore, Hushai's unexpected arrival underscores God's providential care, often providing solutions and helpers in ways we least expect. This encourages us to trust that God is always at work, even behind the scenes of our personal and collective struggles, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. It also reminds us of the value of loyal relationships and the comfort of human solidarity in times of distress, reflecting God's grace through His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's act of worship in the midst of his flight challenge your understanding of when and where true worship should occur?**
* **Can you recall a time when God provided an unexpected "Hushai" in your life, an answer to prayer that came in an unforeseen way?**
* **What does Hushai's visible display of grief (torn clothes, earth on head) teach us about expressing solidarity and empathy with those who suffer?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's providence, even when circumstances seem to contradict His goodness?**

### FAQ
**Why was David worshipping at this specific spot, the top of the Mount of Olives?**

Answer: David's worship at the top of the Mount of Olives was likely a spontaneous act of devotion, not a planned ritual. Having just ascended the mount in deep sorrow and humiliation ([2 Samuel 15:30](/2_samuel/15-30 "2 Samuel 15:30 - David's Sorrowful Ascent")), reaching the summit offered a momentary pause and a vantage point. For David, a man after God's own heart, turning to the Lord in prayer and worship was a natural response to crisis. This location, overlooking Jerusalem, may have also symbolized his appeal to God from outside the city, acknowledging his dependence on divine intervention rather than his own strength or earthly kingdom. It highlights his personal faith and reliance on God even in the most desperate circumstances.

**Who was Hushai the Archite, and why was his arrival significant?**

Answer: Hushai the Archite was a loyal friend and trusted counselor of King David. His arrival is profoundly significant because it is presented as an immediate and direct answer to David's prayer in [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Against Ahithophel"), where David asked God to "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness." Hushai was subsequently sent back to Jerusalem by David to infiltrate Absalom's court and deliberately counter Ahithophel's strategic advice ([2 Samuel 15:34-37](/2_samuel/15-34 "2 Samuel 15:34-37 - David Sends Hushai Back")). His presence allowed God to strategically thwart Absalom's plans, ultimately leading to the rebellion's failure and Ahithophel's suicide ([2 Samuel 17:23](/2_samuel/17-23 "2 Samuel 17:23 - Ahithophel's Suicide")).

**What do Hushai's actions (rent clothes, earth on head) signify?**

Answer: Hushai's actions of tearing his coat and putting earth (or dust/ashes) on his head were common and powerful non-verbal expressions of extreme grief, sorrow, lament, and humiliation in ancient Israel and the wider Near East. Tearing one's garment (Hebrew: _qara'_) was a public display of intense emotional distress, often associated with mourning the dead, national calamity, or profound personal anguish. Placing earth or ashes on the head similarly conveyed deep sorrow, repentance, or a state of abject humility and despair. These actions visually communicated Hushai's profound solidarity with David's suffering and the gravity of the national crisis caused by Absalom's rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 15:32, though detailing David's flight, profoundly foreshadows the suffering and ultimate triumph of a greater Son of David, Jesus Christ. David's ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping and in distress, parallels Christ's own journey up the same mount, particularly during His agony in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:39-44](/luke/22-39 "Luke 22:39-44 - Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives")) and His subsequent path to the cross. Just as David was betrayed by his own son and fled Jerusalem, Jesus was betrayed by one of His disciples and rejected by His own people, leading to His crucifixion outside the city gates. David's act of worship at his lowest point, trusting in God's providence, points to Christ's perfect submission to the Father's will, even unto death, demonstrating ultimate faith and dependence ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Furthermore, Hushai's unexpected arrival as a divinely appointed helper, thwarting the counsel of the enemy, serves as a type of God's sovereign provision in Christ. God did not send a mere counselor to defeat the enemy's plans, but He sent His own Son, the ultimate "counselor" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor")), to defeat the ultimate enemy, Satan, and his schemes, through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). In Christ, God's answer to our deepest despair and the enemy's most cunning plots is fully realized, providing not just temporary relief but eternal salvation and victory over sin and death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")).

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

Joshua 16:2

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

2 Samuel 1:2

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

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

Psalms 3:5

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

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.

Psalms 3:7

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

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: