2 Samuel 15:35

KJV

And [hast thou] not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, [that] what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell [it] to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

KJV (with Strong's)

And hast thou not there with thee Zadok {H6659} and Abiathar {H54} the priests {H3548}? therefore it shall be, that what thing {H1697} soever thou shalt hear {H8085} out of the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, thou shalt tell {H5046} it to Zadok {H6659} and Abiathar {H54} the priests {H3548}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You have Tzadok and Evyatar the cohanim there with you. So whatever you hear from the king's house, you tell to Tzadok and Evyatar the cohanim.

Berean Standard Bible

Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the king’s palace.

American Standard Version

And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king’s house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures King David's strategic genius and reliance on a loyal network during Absalom's rebellion. As David flees Jerusalem, he instructs Hushai the Archite to infiltrate Absalom's court as a double agent. Crucially, David establishes Zadok and Abiathar, the faithful high priests, as the vital intelligence conduit, ensuring that any information gathered by Hushai from within Absalom's "king's house" would be relayed directly to them, forming the backbone of David's counter-intelligence operation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This instruction from David to Hushai is delivered as David makes his desperate escape from Jerusalem, fleeing Absalom's swift and popular coup. The preceding verses of [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion and David's Flight") describe Absalom's cunning consolidation of power, his deceptive charm, and the growing defection of the people from David. David's flight is a scene of profound sorrow and humility, as he ascends the Mount of Olives weeping ([2 Samuel 15:30](/2_samuel/15-30 "2 Samuel 15:30 - David's Ascent of Mount Olives")). Amidst this despair, David encounters Hushai, who initially wishes to flee with him. However, David, demonstrating remarkable foresight and strategic thinking, redirects Hushai, sending him back into Jerusalem with a specific, dangerous mission to "frustrate the counsel of Ahithophel" ([2 Samuel 15:34](/2_samuel/15-34 "2 Samuel 15:34 - David's Instruction to Hushai")). Verse [2 Samuel 15:35](/2_samuel/15-35 "2 Samuel 15:35 - David's Strategic Instruction to Hushai") then elaborates on the critical communication channel essential for this mission's success, integrating the priests Zadok and Abiathar into the clandestine network.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is ancient Israel, a monarchy still relatively young, grappling with issues of succession and loyalty. Kingship was often precarious, and rebellions, especially from within the royal family, were not uncommon. Absalom's rebellion was particularly potent due to his charismatic appeal and his exploitation of David's past failures, such as the affair with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah ([2 Samuel 11](/2_samuel/11 "2 Samuel 11 - David and Bathsheba")). Priests like Zadok and Abiathar held significant religious and often political influence, serving as custodians of the Ark of the Covenant and offering divine counsel through the Urim and Thummim. Their presence in Jerusalem, even as David fled, was culturally significant, as they represented a continuity of divine presence and authority. David's instruction leverages their established position and access within the city, making them ideal, unsuspecting conduits for intelligence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the narrative of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David"). Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency**, showing David's strategic planning working in concert with God's ultimate purpose to thwart Absalom's rebellion, as explicitly stated in [2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel"). Secondly, **Loyalty and Betrayal** are starkly contrasted; while many abandon David, Hushai, Zadok, and Abiathar remain steadfast, embodying the covenant faithfulness David himself often struggled to maintain. Thirdly, the theme of **Wisdom and Folly** is prominent, with David's shrewdness in counter-intelligence pitted against Absalom's impulsive decisions influenced by Ahithophel's initially sound, but ultimately frustrated, counsel. Finally, the **Role of the Priesthood** extends beyond ritual to practical matters of national security and governance, demonstrating their integral function in the life of the nation and their unwavering support for the legitimate king.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **King's House (Hebrew, _bêth ham-meleḵ'_):** This term refers not merely to the physical palace but encompasses the entire royal administration, the seat of power, and the center of decision-making. In this context, it signifies Absalom's newly established, albeit illegitimate, court in Jerusalem. Hushai's mission is to infiltrate the very heart of Absalom's operations, gaining access to his plans, strategies, and confidential discussions.
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kōhănîm'_):** Zadok and Abiathar were the two high priests during David's reign. Their role was primarily religious, involving the care of the Ark of the Covenant and offering sacrifices and divine counsel. However, their position also granted them a degree of access and authority within the city and among the people. David's instruction to use them as intelligence conduits highlights their unwavering loyalty and the trust he placed in their discretion and ability to manage sensitive information. Their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, would serve as the actual messengers, leveraging the priests' network and legitimacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests?":** This rhetorical question from David to Hushai serves as an affirmation of a pre-existing understanding or a directive to utilize these trusted individuals. David is reminding Hushai of the critical assets available to him within Jerusalem, emphasizing their loyalty and strategic importance. The priests had initially accompanied David in his flight with the Ark, but David had sent them back to Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 15:24-29](/2_samuel/15-24 "2 Samuel 15:24-29 - The Ark Sent Back to Jerusalem")), specifically envisioning their role in this intelligence operation.
* **"therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house,":** This clause sets the scope of Hushai's intelligence gathering. His primary task is to listen intently and gather all information—any "thing soever"—emanating from Absalom's court. This implies not just official decrees but also private conversations, strategic discussions, and any intelligence that could reveal Absalom's intentions or plans. The phrase "out of the king's house" specifies the source of this critical information, emphasizing the need for Hushai to be privy to Absalom's inner circle.
* **"thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.":** This is the core directive, establishing the communication protocol. Hushai is not to act on the information himself, nor is he to relay it through other channels. The priests are designated as the sole, trusted recipients of this sensitive intelligence. This centralized communication hub ensures security, discretion, and reliability, allowing David to receive filtered and actionable intelligence from a secure source.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Rhetorical Question** ("And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests?") immediately draws Hushai's attention and underscores the importance of the priests' presence and role, framing the subsequent instruction as a logical extension of their established loyalty. The use of **Synecdoche** is evident in "king's house," which stands for the entire royal administration and the center of Absalom's power, rather than just the physical building. This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the intelligence Hushai is to gather. Furthermore, the precise and direct nature of David's command ("thou shalt tell it") highlights the **Pragmatism** and **Foresight** of David's leadership, even in crisis. The entire passage functions as a pivotal moment of **Plot Development**, setting in motion the counter-intelligence operation that will ultimately lead to Absalom's downfall, demonstrating the intricate **Irony** of a king in exile orchestrating his return through a network of loyalists within the usurper's court.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a testament to the intricate interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While David meticulously crafts a human strategy, the broader narrative of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/1 "2 Samuel - The Reign of King David") consistently affirms that God is ultimately in control, orchestrating events to fulfill His promises to David. David's wisdom here is not merely human cunning but is implicitly guided by the Lord, who "frustrated the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom" ([2 Samuel 17:14](/2_samuel/17-14 "2 Samuel 17:14 - The Lord Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel")). The loyalty of Zadok, Abiathar, and Hushai stands in stark contrast to the widespread defection, underscoring the theme of faithfulness amidst betrayal, a theme echoed throughout biblical history. It also highlights the multifaceted role of spiritual leaders, who, in times of crisis, may be called upon to serve their nation in practical, even clandestine, ways beyond their typical religious duties.

* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalm/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's actions in 2 Samuel 15:35 offer profound lessons for navigating times of crisis and betrayal. His strategic thinking, even in the depths of despair, reminds us that faith in God does not negate the need for wise planning and decisive action. We are called to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves")), employing all available resources and discernment while trusting in God's ultimate control. The loyalty demonstrated by Hushai, Zadok, and Abiathar serves as a powerful example of steadfastness in the face of adversity, urging us to cultivate relationships with trusted allies who will stand with us through trials. Furthermore, the establishment of a clear communication channel underscores the importance of transparent and reliable information flow in any organization or personal endeavor, especially when stakes are high. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to seek God's wisdom in our strategies, to value faithful relationships, and to act with courage and prudence, knowing that even in the midst of chaos, God can work through our efforts to accomplish His sovereign will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance strategic planning and active trust in God's sovereignty in my own life's challenges?**
* **Who are the "Zadoks and Abiathars"—the trusted, loyal individuals—in my life, and how do I cultivate those relationships?**
* **In what areas of my life might I need to establish clearer "communication channels" to ensure vital information is shared effectively and securely?**
* **How does David's response to betrayal here inform my own reactions when faced with disloyalty or adversity?**

### FAQ
**Why did David send the priests back to Jerusalem instead of keeping them with him?**

Answer: David sent Zadok and Abiathar, along with the Ark of the Covenant, back to Jerusalem primarily for two strategic reasons, as outlined in [2 Samuel 15:25](/2_samuel/15-25 "2 Samuel 15:25 - David's Instructions to the Priests"). Firstly, David believed that if it was God's will for him to return, God would bring him back to Jerusalem and the Ark. His humility and trust in divine providence led him to believe the Ark belonged in its proper place in the city. Secondly, and directly relevant to [2 Samuel 15:35](/2_samuel/15-35 "2 Samuel 15:35 - David's Strategic Instruction to Hushai"), David immediately recognized their potential as intelligence assets. By remaining in Jerusalem, Zadok and Abiathar, with their legitimate access and their sons who could serve as messengers, could form a vital communication link for Hushai. This strategic foresight allowed David to establish a clandestine network within Absalom's court, essential for monitoring and ultimately undermining the rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The strategic wisdom and self-sacrificing leadership displayed by David in 2 Samuel 15:35, though imperfect, foreshadow the ultimate King, Jesus Christ. David, though fleeing, is actively working for the restoration of his kingdom, relying on loyal agents and a hidden network. This mirrors Christ's own "hidden" work of establishing His kingdom, often through seemingly weak or counter-intuitive means, relying on the faithfulness of His disciples and the unseen work of the Holy Spirit. Just as David sent Hushai into the "king's house" to subvert an enemy from within, Jesus sends His followers into the world, a domain often hostile to His rule, as "sheep in the midst of wolves" ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves")), to bear witness to His truth and expand His spiritual kingdom. The loyalty of Zadok and Abiathar, who remained faithful to David, points to the unwavering faithfulness of God's true priests—believers in Christ—who serve Him in all circumstances, even when the King's visible presence seems absent. Ultimately, while David's kingdom was restored through human ingenuity and divine favor, Christ's kingdom is established through His perfect obedience, His ultimate sacrifice as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and His triumphant resurrection, securing an eternal reign that no rebellion can ever overthrow, as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:7](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of Christ") and fulfilled in the New Covenant.

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 17:15

¶ Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

2 Samuel 17:16

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.