2 Samuel 15:33

KJV

Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto whom David {H1732} said {H559}, If thou passest on {H5674} with me, then thou shalt be a burden {H4853} unto me:

Complete Jewish Bible

David said to him, "If you go on with me, you will become a burden to me.

Berean Standard Bible

David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me.

American Standard Version

And David said unto him, If thou passest on with me, then thou wilt be a burden unto me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Samuel 15:33, as King David flees Jerusalem from Absalom's rebellion, he makes a crucial strategic decision concerning his loyal counselor, Hushai the Archite. David instructs Hushai to return to the capital, recognizing that his physical presence during the immediate flight would be a tactical encumbrance. This seemingly counter-intuitive command was not a rejection of Hushai's devotion but a profound act of strategic foresight, designed to initiate a critical counter-intelligence operation that would ultimately undermine the formidable counsel of Absalom's chief advisor, Ahithophel, and secure the preservation of David's throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic and emotionally charged narrative of Absalom's rebellion, marking a significant turning point in David's reign. The preceding verses vividly portray David's desperate and sorrowful exodus from Jerusalem, accompanied by his faithful retinue. He sends the Ark of the Covenant back to the city, demonstrating his trust in God's sovereignty over the symbol of His presence, rather than relying on it as a magical charm in his flight [2 Samuel 15:25-29](/2_samuel/15-25-29 "2 Samuel 15:25-29 - David Sends the Ark Back to Jerusalem"). As David ascends the Mount of Olives, weeping and barefoot, a symbol of his humiliation and mourning, he receives the devastating news that Ahithophel, his once trusted and highly esteemed counselor, has joined Absalom's conspiracy. In response, David immediately offers a fervent prayer, imploring the Lord to "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Against Ahithophel"). It is precisely at this critical juncture, as David reaches the summit—a place of both vulnerability and prayer—that Hushai the Archite appears, his clothes torn and dirt on his head, signifying his distress and loyalty [2 Samuel 15:32](/2_samuel/15-32 "2 Samuel 15:32 - Hushai Meets David"). David's instruction to Hushai in verse 33 is the direct and immediate answer to his prayer, initiating the divinely orchestrated strategy to neutralize Ahithophel's dangerous advice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Absalom's rebellion represented a severe internal crisis, a civil war that threatened the very fabric of David's kingdom. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the king's counselors were not mere advisors but figures of immense political and strategic power. Ahithophel, in particular, was renowned for his sagacity, his counsel being regarded "as if one had inquired of the word of God" [2 Samuel 16:23](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - The Esteem for Ahithophel's Counsel"). David's hasty flight from Jerusalem underscores the immediate and existential danger he faced, necessitating swift and decisive action. In such precarious circumstances, a king's immediate entourage needed to be agile, discreet, and unencumbered by those unsuited for the rigors of rapid movement, concealment, or clandestine operations. The cultural expectation of unwavering loyalty to the king, even unto death or exile, is profoundly evident in Hushai's initial willingness to accompany David. This context makes David's counter-instruction a profound test of that loyalty, redirecting it into a more dangerous, yet strategically vital, form of service within the enemy's camp.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several profound themes central to the narrative of David's reign and God's providence. **Strategic Wisdom** is paramount, as David, despite his personal anguish and the chaos of his flight, demonstrates remarkable foresight and cunning, prioritizing the long-term stability and preservation of his kingdom over immediate personal comfort or the conventional expectation of keeping a loyal friend close. His decision to send Hushai back is a masterstroke of **Counter-Intelligence**, recognizing that a trusted and loyal agent embedded within the enemy's inner circle is far more valuable than one in exile. The theme of **Loyalty and Sacrifice** is also profoundly highlighted, as Hushai's initial desire to accompany David into exile is superseded by an even greater act of loyalty—returning to a perilous situation to serve the king's strategic interests, even at great personal risk. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, this passage is deeply imbued with the theme of **Divine Providence**. David's desperate prayer in [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Against Ahithophel") is immediately answered through David's divinely inspired instruction to Hushai, demonstrating God's active, sovereign involvement in human affairs, working through human agents and strategic decisions to uphold His chosen king and accomplish His overarching purposes. This divine orchestration is further emphasized when Absalom later chooses Hushai's counsel over Ahithophel's, for "the Lord had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring disaster upon Absalom" [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Defeats Ahithophel's Counsel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **David (Hebrew, _Dâvid'_):** From the same root as דּוֹד (dôwd), meaning "loving," David (דָּוִיד) is the youngest son of Jesse and the anointed king of Israel. In this verse, the name signifies the authority and strategic acumen of the king, even in a moment of profound personal crisis and vulnerability. His capacity for strategic thinking, even when fleeing, underscores his divinely appointed leadership and his reliance on God's wisdom rather than solely on human strength or conventional military tactics.
* **Passest on (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** The Hebrew verb עָבַר (_ʻâbar_) means "to cross over," "to pass through," or "to proceed." In the phrase "If thou passest on with me," it emphasizes the immediate and urgent nature of David's flight. It denotes continuous, rapid movement away from Jerusalem, implying a journey where agility and minimal encumbrance are critical. David's escape was not a leisurely retreat but a desperate flight, and Hushai's presence, while a comfort, would impede this necessary "passing on" due to the tactical demands of the situation.
* **Burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ'_):** The Hebrew word מַשָּׂא (_massâʼ_) originates from the root נָשָׂא (nāśāʼ), meaning "to lift" or "to carry." It can refer to a physical load, a tribute, or even a prophetic oracle (a "burden of the Lord"). In this context, it signifies a hindrance, an impediment, or a tactical disadvantage. David's assessment is not a personal slight against Hushai's character or loyalty, but a pragmatic recognition that Hushai, as a counselor rather than a warrior or someone accustomed to the rigors of rapid, clandestine movement, would slow down the fleeing party, draw unwanted attention, or simply not be equipped for the immediate needs of a desperate escape. It highlights David's strategic rather than emotional reasoning.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto whom David said":** This clause identifies the direct recipient of David's instruction as Hushai the Archite, who has just met David on the Mount of Olives. Hushai's appearance, marked by his torn clothes and dirt on his head, signifies his deep distress and unwavering loyalty to the king, even in this moment of severe adversity. David's address indicates his immediate recognition of Hushai's presence and his readiness to engage him with a critical directive.
* **"If thou passest on with me":** This conditional clause acknowledges Hushai's clear desire and expressed intent to accompany David into exile, a testament to his profound loyalty. David implicitly affirms Hushai's devotion but immediately introduces a strategic counter-consideration. The phrase points to the physical act of joining David's fleeing entourage and continuing the arduous journey with him, implying a shared fate and immediate companionship.
* **"then thou shalt be a burden unto me":** This is the core of David's strategic insight and the pivotal statement of the verse. It is a direct, pragmatic, and unvarnished assessment of the tactical realities of his flight. David understands that his immediate need is for speed, discretion, and the ability to operate unencumbered by anything that might hinder rapid movement or draw attention. A loyal but potentially less mobile or militarily useful counselor would, in this specific context, impede these crucial objectives. This statement, far from being dismissive, sets the stage for David to articulate the far more critical and impactful role Hushai can play by returning to Jerusalem, thereby transforming a potential tactical hindrance into an indispensable asset for the kingdom's preservation.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Irony** is powerfully evident in David's instruction: Hushai's deeply loyal desire to accompany the king in his flight is met with a command to *not* accompany him, precisely for the king's greater good. The very act of loyalty is paradoxically redirected into a more dangerous, yet strategically vital, form of service within the enemy's camp. There is also strong **Foreshadowing** in this verse; David's seemingly harsh assessment of Hushai as a "burden" immediately sets up Hushai's crucial and ultimately successful role in the subsequent chapters, where he effectively foils Ahithophel's counsel, thereby proving himself to be an indispensable asset rather than a hindrance. The word "burden" itself functions as a **Metaphor**, not implying physical weight or personal annoyance, but rather a tactical disadvantage or an impediment to David's immediate need for swift, unencumbered flight. This metaphorical use highlights David's profound strategic rather than emotional reasoning, illustrating his capacity to see beyond the immediate appearance to the deeper, more impactful reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in David's desperate flight from Absalom's rebellion showcases a profound theological truth: God often works through human wisdom, strategic action, and even seemingly counter-intuitive decisions to accomplish His divine purposes. David's fervent prayer in [2 Samuel 15:31](/2_samuel/15-31 "2 Samuel 15:31 - David's Prayer Against Ahithophel") for God to "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" is immediately answered not by a miraculous intervention from heaven, but by David's divinely inspired instruction to Hushai. This demonstrates that God uses the faithful, discerning, and courageous actions of His servants as instruments of His providence. It underscores that true loyalty and effective service to God's kingdom may sometimes require unconventional or personally sacrificial roles, as Hushai's willingness to return to a dangerous situation for the greater good exemplifies. God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility, strategic thought, or the need for courageous obedience; rather, it often works through them, elevating human agency within His overarching plan.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Uses the Foolish and Weak")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decision in 2 Samuel 15:33 offers profound and enduring lessons for leadership, loyalty, and discerning God's will in the crucible of challenging circumstances. It serves as a powerful reminder that true wisdom often necessitates a pragmatic and clear-eyed assessment of reality, even when it demands making difficult choices that might appear counter-intuitive, ungrateful, or even personally painful on the surface. For those in leadership positions, this passage highlights the critical importance of strategic thinking under immense pressure, prioritizing the overarching mission's success and the well-being of the collective over personal comfort, conventional expectations, or even the immediate desires of loyal subordinates. For individuals, it profoundly challenges our understanding of loyalty and service: sometimes, the most impactful and faithful way to serve is not by accompanying someone on their chosen path, but by courageously taking on a different, perhaps more dangerous, hidden, or less glamorous role for the greater good of God's kingdom. It compels us to prayerfully ask ourselves how we can truly be an asset, rather than an unintended "burden," in the specific contexts God places us, even if that means stepping outside our comfort zone, relinquishing our preferred role, or embracing a path of greater personal risk. Ultimately, this narrative reinforces our trust in God's active providence, knowing that He can and often does use our strategic obedience and courageous faithfulness to accomplish His sovereign purposes, turning apparent setbacks into divinely orchestrated opportunities for intervention and ultimate victory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you faced a situation where the most loving, loyal, or effective action was to *not* do what was expected, but something else entirely, perhaps more difficult or unconventional?**
* **How can we cultivate the kind of strategic wisdom and spiritual discernment that David demonstrated, even when we are under immense personal pressure, distress, or facing profound uncertainty?**
* **In what specific ways might God be calling you to serve in an "unconventional" or hidden role that, though seemingly less glorious or visible, is vital to His larger, unfolding plan?**

### FAQ
**Was David being ungrateful or dismissive of Hushai's loyalty when he called him a "burden"?**

Answer: No, David was absolutely not being ungrateful or dismissive of Hushai's profound loyalty. His statement, "then thou shalt be a burden unto me," was a highly strategic and pragmatic assessment of the immediate tactical situation. Hushai was a loyal and trusted counselor, but David's immediate need was for swift, unencumbered flight from Jerusalem. Having a non-combatant or someone not suited for the rigors of rapid movement and concealment would have been a tactical hindrance to the king's desperate escape. Far from being a dismissal, David's instruction was, in fact, an immense act of trust and a profound recognition of Hushai's unique abilities. He immediately articulated a far more crucial and impactful role for Hushai: to return to Jerusalem and act as a double agent, infiltrating Absalom's counsel and specifically countering the shrewd advice of Ahithophel [2 Samuel 15:34](/2_samuel/15-34 "2 Samuel 15:34 - David's Instruction to Hushai"). This demonstrates David's remarkable strategic insight and his faith that God would use Hushai's loyalty in a far more impactful way for the kingdom's preservation.

**How did Hushai's return to Jerusalem ultimately help David and his kingdom?**

Answer: Hushai's return to Jerusalem was absolutely pivotal in thwarting Absalom's rebellion and securing David's restoration to the throne. Upon his return, Hushai successfully gained Absalom's trust by feigning loyalty and infiltrating his inner circle. When Ahithophel, Absalom's chief counselor, gave the militarily shrewd and deadly advice to immediately pursue David with a small, swift force to strike him down while he was vulnerable [2 Samuel 17:1-3](/2_samuel/17-1-3 "2 Samuel 17:1-3 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom"), Hushai offered counter-counsel. Hushai advised Absalom to gather a massive army from all Israel, arguing that this would ensure a decisive and overwhelming victory and prevent David's escape [2 Samuel 17:7-13](/2_samuel/17-7-13 "2 Samuel 17:7-13 - Hushai's Counter-Counsel"). Although Ahithophel's plan was militarily superior and would have likely succeeded, Absalom, by divine design, chose Hushai's counsel [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - Absalom Chooses Hushai's Counsel"). This crucial delay bought David precious time to cross the Jordan River, regroup, gather his loyal forces, and prepare for battle, ultimately leading to Absalom's defeat, Ahithophel's suicide, and David's triumphant restoration to the throne.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The strategic wisdom and sacrificial loyalty displayed in 2 Samuel 15:33, where David redirects a loyal servant for the kingdom's preservation, find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, an earthly king, wisely discerned how best to deploy his resources for a temporary kingdom. Christ, the true and eternal King, embodies this wisdom and sacrifice in an infinitely greater way. Unlike David, who fled from his enemies and sought to avoid immediate burdens, Jesus intentionally embraced the ultimate "burden" of humanity's sin and suffering, becoming a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Man of Sorrows"). His ultimate strategic move was not to send others away from hardship, but to lay down His own life on the cross, a seemingly foolish and weak act in human eyes, yet the very power and wisdom of God for salvation [1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Wisdom of the Cross"). Just as Hushai's loyalty was redirected for a greater, more dangerous purpose, Christ calls His disciples to a radical form of loyalty that involves taking up their own cross and following Him, embracing the "burden" of discipleship for the sake of His eternal kingdom [Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross"). The "burden" Christ carried was not a tactical hindrance but the immeasurable weight of the world's sin, which He bore willingly out of perfect love and obedience to the Father's strategic plan to redeem humanity. His victory over sin and death, achieved through apparent weakness and self-sacrifice, is the ultimate fulfillment of God working through unexpected and counter-intuitive means to establish His eternal kingdom, far surpassing David's temporary restoration. Christ's humility and obedience, even to death on a cross, perfectly exemplify a divine strategy that turns conventional wisdom on its head, ultimately leading to His exaltation and the salvation of all who believe [Philippians 2:5-11](/philipians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation").

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

2 Samuel 19:35

I [am] this day fourscore years old: [and] can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?