2 Samuel 16:14

KJV

And the king, and all the people that [were] with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428}, and all the people {H5971} that were with him, came {H935} weary {H5889}, and refreshed {H5314} themselves there.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king and all the people with him arrived exhausted, so he rested there.

Berean Standard Bible

Finally, the king and all the people with him arrived, exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.

American Standard Version

And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary; and he refreshed himself there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 16:14 captures a poignant moment in King David's desperate flight from Absalom's rebellion, depicting him and his loyal followers arriving utterly exhausted but finding a crucial opportunity for refreshment. This brief verse underscores the profound human vulnerability of even a powerful king, the physical and emotional toll of leadership in crisis, and the subtle yet significant theme of divine provision and human resilience amidst overwhelming adversity, allowing them to regain strength for the arduous journey ahead.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of David's reign, specifically during the climax of Absalom's rebellion detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion and David's Flight"). Having been forced to flee Jerusalem to avoid bloodshed, David's journey is marked by a series of dramatic encounters. Immediately preceding [2 Samuel 16:14](/2_samuel/16-14 "2 Samuel 16:14 - David's Weary Arrival and Refreshment"), David has endured the public humiliation and bitter curses of Shimei, a Benjaminite from the house of Saul, who accused David of being a bloodthirsty man and a usurper ([2 Samuel 16:5-13](/2_samuel/16-5-13 "2 Samuel 16:5-13 - Shimei Curses David")). David's refusal to allow Abishai to retaliate against Shimei, acknowledging that his suffering might be God's will, sets the tone for his humble and weary state as he continues his flight. The verse thus serves as a brief pause, a moment of physical respite, before the narrative plunges back into the strategic maneuvers and eventual confrontation between David and Absalom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's flight from Jerusalem was an extraordinary event, highlighting the precarious nature of kingship in ancient Israel, where loyalty could shift rapidly and succession was often contested. The rebellion of a son against his father, especially a king, was a profound cultural and political shock, threatening the very fabric of the kingdom. The journey itself, likely eastward towards the Jordan River and beyond, would have been arduous. The terrain was rugged and often arid, making travel physically demanding, particularly for a large company including women and children, and for a king who was no longer young. The act of "refreshing themselves" would have involved finding water, shade, and a temporary place of safety, which in the wilderness was often a matter of survival. This context emphasizes the raw, unvarnished reality of David's predicament, stripped of royal pomp and reduced to the basic human needs for sustenance and rest.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 16:14](/2_samuel/16-14 "2 Samuel 16:14 - David's Weary Arrival and Refreshment") contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **human vulnerability and exhaustion**, even for those in positions of power. David, the mighty warrior-king, is depicted as "weary," underscoring the universal reality of human physical and emotional limits. Secondly, it subtly points to **divine provision and sustenance**. Despite the chaos and immediate threat, God provides a moment and place for refreshment, echoing how God sustains His people even in the wilderness, as seen in the provision of rest and green pastures in [Psalm 23:2](/psalm/23-2 "Psalm 23:2 - God's Provision of Rest"). Thirdly, the verse highlights **the weight of leadership**. David's weariness is not merely personal but reflective of the immense burden he carries for his kingdom, choosing flight to prevent bloodshed in Jerusalem. Finally, it speaks to **resilience amidst adversity**. The ability to "refresh themselves" signifies a fundamental human and spiritual capacity to regroup and endure, suggesting that even in the depths of despair, hope and the will to continue can be renewed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weary (Hebrew, _ʻâyêph'_):** From the root `עָיֵף`, this adjective describes a state of profound physical and often emotional exhaustion. It conveys a deep fatigue that goes beyond simple tiredness, implying a depletion of strength and energy, often accompanied by thirst or faintness. In this context, it vividly portrays the physical toll of David's hurried flight and the emotional burden of his son's rebellion and the public humiliation he endured, emphasizing his utter spent condition.
* **Refreshed (Hebrew, _nâphash'_):** A primitive root, `נָפַשׁ` means "to breathe." Passively, it signifies "to be breathed upon," and figuratively, "to be refreshed as if by a current of air." This word beautifully captures the act of regaining breath, vitality, and strength after exertion or distress. In the context of the verse, it describes the deliberate and necessary act of recovery, indicating that David and his people found a moment to catch their breath, rest, and renew their physical and mental energy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king, and all the people that [were] with him":** This phrase emphasizes the collective nature of the ordeal and the shared experience of suffering. It's not just David, but his entire loyal retinue – his household, his mighty men, and all who chose to follow him into exile. This highlights the shared loyalty and burden, but also the immense responsibility David bore for their well-being, as their leader.
* **"came weary":** This clause directly describes their physical and mental state upon arrival. It paints a vivid picture of a group utterly spent, their bodies aching, their spirits heavy from the trauma of flight, betrayal, and public scorn. It humanizes David, showing him not as an invincible monarch but as a vulnerable man experiencing the same profound fatigue as his followers.
* **"and refreshed themselves there":** This crucial phrase denotes a moment of respite and recovery. The act of "refreshing themselves" implies finding water, food, and a safe place to rest, however briefly. The adverb "there" (likely referring to the vicinity of Bahurim or further east towards the Jordan, a place of temporary safety) indicates a specific location where this much-needed recovery occurred, suggesting divine providence in providing such a space amidst their desperate flight. It signifies a necessary pause to regain strength for the continued journey and struggle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Pathos** is evident in the depiction of the king and his people as "weary," evoking sympathy for their plight and highlighting the emotional and physical toll of their desperate flight. There is a strong element of **Contrast** between their initial state of profound exhaustion ("weary") and the subsequent act of recovery ("refreshed themselves"), underscoring the resilience and the necessity of finding respite even in dire circumstances. The journey itself, and this specific moment of rest, can be seen as **Symbolism** for life's arduous trials, where moments of weariness are inevitable but are often met with unexpected opportunities for renewal. The simple, direct language contributes to the stark realism of the narrative, allowing the reader to feel the weight of their journey and the relief of their pause.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse offers profound theological insights into God's sovereignty, human vulnerability, and the nature of divine provision. Even in the midst of profound suffering, political upheaval, and personal betrayal, God's sustaining hand is subtly at work. The weariness of David and his people underscores the reality of human limitation and dependence, even for the most powerful among us. Their ability to "refresh themselves" is not merely an act of human will but an implicit testimony to God's grace, providing strength and rest when all seems lost. It reminds us that God does not always remove the trials, but He faithfully provides the necessary sustenance to endure them, equipping His servants for the path ahead.

* [Psalm 55:6](/psalm/55-6 "Psalm 55:6 - Longing for Rest from Trouble")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewal of Strength")
* [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The experience of David and his weary company resonates deeply with the human condition. In a world that often glorifies constant activity and relentless striving, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that even the most resilient and divinely appointed leaders are subject to physical and emotional limits. It calls us to acknowledge our own weariness, whether from the burdens of leadership, the stresses of daily life, or the pain of personal trials. Just as David and his people needed to "refresh themselves," we too must intentionally seek out moments and means of rest—physically, mentally, and spiritually. This isn't a luxury but a necessity for sustained effectiveness and well-being. Trusting in God's provision means recognizing that He often provides the very resources, people, or opportunities for rest that we desperately need, enabling us to continue our journey with renewed strength and perspective.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life are you currently experiencing "weariness" – physically, emotionally, or spiritually?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "refresh yourself" in the midst of your current challenges or responsibilities?**
* **How does David's vulnerability in this verse encourage you to lean on God's strength rather than your own?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's subtle provision of rest or renewal during difficult seasons?**

### FAQ
**Why is David's weariness emphasized in this verse?**

Answer: David's weariness is emphasized to highlight his profound human vulnerability and the immense toll of his circumstances. He is not portrayed as an invincible king, but as a man experiencing the very real physical and emotional exhaustion of flight, betrayal by his own son, and public humiliation. This emphasis underscores the gravity of Absalom's rebellion and the personal suffering it inflicted upon David, making him relatable to all who experience deep fatigue and distress. It also serves to magnify the subsequent act of refreshment, showing that even a king needs basic human sustenance and rest.

**What is the significance of the phrase "refreshed themselves"?**

Answer: The phrase "refreshed themselves" is highly significant, especially given the preceding "came weary." It signifies a crucial moment of respite and recovery amidst a desperate situation. This act implies finding water, food, and a safe place to rest, which in the wilderness was often a matter of survival. Theologically, it subtly points to divine provision, suggesting that even when David was at his lowest, God provided the means for him and his people to regain strength. It speaks to the theme of human resilience and the necessity of intentional rest for endurance, allowing them to continue their arduous journey.

**Where exactly did David and his people refresh themselves?**

Answer: The text states simply "there," implying a specific but unnamed location known to the original audience or understood as a temporary stopping point. Based on the narrative flow, they had just passed Bahurim, where Shimei cursed David ([2 Samuel 16:5](/2_samuel/16-5 "2 Samuel 16:5 - Shimei Curses David")). Therefore, "there" likely refers to a location further east, on the route towards the Jordan River and the wilderness beyond, where David intended to regroup. It was a place of temporary safety and opportunity for rest before the next phase of their flight and the eventual confrontation with Absalom's forces.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The weariness of King David and his people in [2 Samuel 16:14](/2_samuel/16-14 "2 Samuel 16:14 - David's Weary Arrival and Refreshment") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person of Jesus Christ. David, though a king, was a man subject to human limitations and the crushing weight of betrayal and suffering. Christ, the true and eternal King, likewise experienced profound weariness, not from fleeing an earthly rebellion, but from bearing the weight of humanity's sin and the relentless opposition of a fallen world. He knew what it was to have "nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus' Lack of a Home")), to be "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), and to be utterly spent in His mission. Yet, unlike David who sought refreshment for continued earthly struggle, Jesus endured ultimate exhaustion, crying out "It is finished" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words on the Cross")) on the cross, providing the ultimate rest for His people. He is the one who invites all who are weary and burdened to "come to me, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")), offering a spiritual Sabbath rest that transcends physical refreshment ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). David's temporary respite foreshadows the eternal rest and renewal found only in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the role of the suffering yet sovereign King, enduring all weariness to secure our ultimate peace.

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.