2 Samuel 16:15

KJV

¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Absalom {H53}, and all the people {H5971} the men {H376} of Israel {H3478}, came {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389}, and Ahithophel {H302} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Meanwhile Avshalom and all the people, the men of Isra'el, came to Yerushalayim; Achitofel was with him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.

American Standard Version

And Absalom, and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 16:15 marks the dramatic culmination of Absalom's meticulously orchestrated rebellion, depicting his triumphant and unopposed entry into Jerusalem. This pivotal moment signifies the temporary overthrow of King David's reign, as Absalom, accompanied by the formidable and formerly trusted counselor Ahithophel, seizes control of the capital, solidifying his claim to the throne and plunging the kingdom into a profound crisis of loyalty and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows King David's sorrowful and hasty flight from Jerusalem, as chronicled in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - David's Flight from Jerusalem"). David, seeking to prevent bloodshed within the holy city and trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty, had made the difficult decision to abandon his throne and seek refuge across the Kidron Valley. His departure was marked by the loyalty of some, like Ittai the Gittite, and the strategic deployment of others, such as Zadok and Abiathar, who were sent back to Jerusalem with the Ark of the Covenant to serve as intelligence sources. Absalom's arrival in Jerusalem, therefore, is the direct consequence of David's retreat, signifying the successful initial phase of the coup and setting the stage for the subsequent strategic maneuvers and counter-maneuvers, including the crucial role of Hushai the Archite, David's loyal spy, who was instructed to feign allegiance to Absalom to thwart Ahithophel's counsel ([2 Samuel 15:32-37](/2_samuel/15-32 "2 Samuel 15:32-37 - Hushai Joins Absalom")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, Jerusalem was not merely a capital city but the spiritual and political heart of the kingdom, housing the Ark of the Covenant and symbolizing God's presence among His people. Its capture by Absalom, without resistance, was a profound symbolic victory, signaling to the populace that the transfer of power was complete and divinely sanctioned, at least in appearance. The presence of "all the people the men of Israel" suggests a widespread popular uprising, indicative of the charismatic appeal Absalom had cultivated over years, subtly undermining David's authority through public relations and false promises ([2 Samuel 15:1-6](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1-6 - Absalom's Conspiracy")). The defection of a trusted counselor like Ahithophel was particularly devastating, as such figures held immense sway due to their wisdom and access to royal secrets. His presence legitimized Absalom's rebellion in the eyes of many, lending it an air of strategic brilliance and divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes pervasive in the narrative of [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Book of 2 Samuel"). Firstly, it highlights the **fragility of power** and the **precarious nature of kingship**, even for divinely chosen monarchs like David. Despite his establishment, David's authority could be swiftly challenged and seemingly overthrown by internal rebellion. Secondly, the narrative emphasizes the devastating impact of **betrayal**, particularly from within one's own family and inner circle. Absalom's rebellion is a profound act of filial disloyalty, while Ahithophel's defection represents a deep breach of trust from a close confidant, whose counsel was considered as if one had inquired of the [oracle of God](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Esteemed Counsel"). Thirdly, the swiftness of Absalom's takeover illustrates the **consequences of sin** within David's household, implicitly fulfilling the prophecy of Nathan concerning the sword never departing from David's house due to his actions with Bathsheba and Uriah ([2 Samuel 12:10-11](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10-11 - Nathan's Prophecy")). Finally, though not explicitly stated, the unfolding events subtly point to **divine sovereignty**, as God allows these trials to unfold, yet ultimately works to preserve His covenant promises and David's lineage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Absalom (Hebrew, _’Abshalom_):** Meaning "father of peace," this name stands in stark ironic contrast to the character's actions, which bring anything but peace to David's kingdom and family. His rebellion is a violent disruption of peace, a usurpation of authority, and a source of profound familial strife. The name highlights the tragic paradox of his life and the destructive nature of his ambition.
* **People (Hebrew, _‘am_):** The phrase "all the people the men of Israel" (כָּל־הָעָם אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל, _kol-ha‘am ’ish Yisra’el_) emphasizes the widespread popular support Absalom had garnered. The term _‘am_ refers to the general populace or nation, suggesting that Absalom's movement was not a fringe uprising but had successfully swayed a significant portion of the Israelite population, lending a powerful sense of legitimacy and popular backing to his coup. This widespread support underscores the depth of David's political crisis.
* **Ahithophel (Hebrew, _’Achitophel_):** Meaning "my brother is folly" or "brother of foolishness," this name, like Absalom's, carries a layer of irony, especially given his reputation for exceptionally wise counsel. His defection from David to Absalom, while initially appearing to be a shrewd strategic move, ultimately leads to his own demise when his counsel is rejected in favor of Hushai's, leading him to commit suicide ([2 Samuel 17:23](/2_samuel/17-23 "2 Samuel 17:23 - Ahithophel's Suicide")). His presence here signifies the rebellion's intellectual and strategic strength, yet his name foreshadows the ultimate folly of opposing God's chosen king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel":** This opening clause immediately establishes the key figures of the rebellion and the breadth of its support. Absalom is the charismatic leader, but the inclusion of "all the people the men of Israel" highlights that his movement had successfully mobilized a significant portion of the nation, indicating a widespread defection of loyalty from David. This collective noun emphasizes the popular momentum behind the coup.
* **"came to Jerusalem":** This phrase denotes the successful and unopposed capture of the capital city. Jerusalem, David's royal and spiritual center, falls without a battle, symbolizing the apparent ease with which Absalom seized power. This swift entry underscores the effectiveness of Absalom's long-term conspiracy and David's strategic decision to evacuate, avoiding a bloody civil war within the city walls.
* **"and Ahithophel with him":** This final clause is concise but loaded with immense significance. Ahithophel was David's most trusted and brilliant counselor, whose advice was considered divine. His presence alongside Absalom signifies the rebellion's strategic depth and intellectual prowess. His defection was a profound blow to David's morale and a massive boost to Absalom's legitimacy and tactical advantage, making the rebellion seem almost unstoppable in its initial stages.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Conciseness** is paramount, as a monumental shift in power is conveyed in a single, declarative sentence, emphasizing the swiftness and decisiveness of Absalom's takeover. The inclusion of "all the people the men of Israel" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the men) represents the whole (the nation's support), amplifying the perceived legitimacy and scale of the rebellion. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, particularly with the mention of Absalom and Ahithophel. Absalom, whose name means "father of peace," brings war and chaos, while Ahithophel, the renowned wise counselor, ultimately acts in folly by opposing God's anointed and later takes his own life. The verse also serves as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the intense strategic battle of wits that will ensue, particularly concerning Ahithophel's counsel and Hushai's counter-counsel, which will ultimately lead to the rebellion's downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 16:15 serves as a stark reminder of the profound consequences of sin and the complex, often painful, outworking of divine judgment within the covenant community. David's prior transgressions, particularly with Bathsheba and Uriah, had led to Nathan's prophecy that "the sword shall never depart from your house" ([2 Samuel 12:10](/2_samuel/12-10 "2 Samuel 12:10 - Nathan's Prophecy Against David")), and Absalom's rebellion is a direct fulfillment of this prophetic word, highlighting God's faithfulness to His warnings even as He remains faithful to His promises. The verse underscores the fragility of human power and loyalty, demonstrating how quickly even a divinely appointed king can be brought low by internal strife and betrayal. Yet, even in this moment of apparent defeat, God's sovereign hand is at work, orchestrating events to test David's faith, refine his character, and ultimately demonstrate His control over the affairs of nations and kings, ensuring that His ultimate purposes prevail despite human rebellion and folly.

* [2 Samuel 12:11](/2_samuel/12-11 "2 Samuel 12:11 - Nathan's Prophecy of Trouble from Within David's Household")
* [Psalm 3:1-2](/psalms/3-1 "Psalm 3:1-2 - David's Prayer During Absalom's Rebellion")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene of Absalom's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, with David in sorrowful flight, offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that even those who are deeply devoted to God can experience periods of intense adversity, betrayal, and apparent defeat. David's humiliation was a direct consequence of his past sins, yet God used this painful season to deepen his reliance on divine grace and sovereignty. In our own lives, we may face betrayals from those we trust, or witness the triumph of unrighteousness, causing us to question God's presence or justice. This narrative encourages us to look beyond immediate circumstances, trusting that God remains in control, even when His plans are veiled by human chaos and suffering. It calls us to examine our own hearts for seeds of ambition or disloyalty, and to cultivate steadfastness and humility, remembering that true authority and peace come from God alone, not from worldly power or popular acclaim.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's response to Absalom's rebellion challenge my own reactions to betrayal or adversity?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek power or validation through worldly means, rather than trusting in God's timing and sovereignty?**
* **How can the knowledge of God's ultimate control, even in moments of chaos, strengthen my faith and resolve?**
* **What lessons can I draw from Ahithophel's defection about the dangers of misplaced loyalty or relying solely on human wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ahithophel's presence with Absalom so significant?**

Answer: Ahithophel's presence was profoundly significant because he was not merely a general supporter but David's most trusted and highly esteemed counselor. His advice was so respected that it was considered as if one had inquired of the [oracle of God](/2_samuel/16-23 "2 Samuel 16:23 - Ahithophel's Esteemed Counsel"). His defection to Absalom's side was a devastating blow to David, both personally and strategically. It signaled that Absalom's rebellion was not just a youthful uprising but a serious, well-planned coup with formidable strategic minds behind it. Ahithophel's counsel provided Absalom with immediate tactical advantages, such as advising him to publicly claim David's concubines to demonstrate the irreversible break with his father ([2 Samuel 16:20-22](/2_samuel/16-20 "2 Samuel 16:20-22 - Ahithophel's Counsel to Absalom")). His betrayal underscored the depth of David's crisis and the perceived legitimacy of Absalom's claim in the eyes of many Israelites.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Absalom's rebellion, culminating in his seizure of Jerusalem, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. David, as the anointed king, suffering betrayal and being driven from his throne, foreshadows the ultimate suffering and rejection of the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ. Just as Absalom, the "father of peace," brought chaos and war, so too did humanity, through sin, rebel against the true King of Peace, leading to spiritual alienation and death. Jesus, the rightful King, also entered Jerusalem, not to seize a worldly throne through rebellion, but in humility on a donkey, offering true peace ([Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Matthew 21:5 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem")). He was betrayed by a trusted disciple, Judas Iscariot, for a mere sum of money ([Matthew 26:14-16](/matthew/26-14 "Matthew 26:14-16 - Judas Betrays Jesus")), just as David was betrayed by Ahithophel. Yet, unlike David's temporary exile, Christ's "defeat" on the cross was the ultimate victory, a strategic divine maneuver to reclaim His kingdom and reconcile humanity to God ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus established an eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken by human rebellion or betrayal, securing a peace far beyond the fleeting political stability David sought ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - The Unshakable Kingdom")). Thus, Absalom's brief triumph in Jerusalem ultimately points to the enduring reign of Christ, whose kingdom is not of this world, yet triumphs over all earthly powers and betrayals.

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 15:37

So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

2 Samuel 15:12

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, [even] from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.