2 Samuel 19:15

KJV

So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the king {H4428} returned {H7725}, and came {H935} to Jordan {H3383}. And Judah {H3063} came {H935} to Gilgal {H1537}, to go {H3212} to meet {H7125} the king {H4428}, to conduct {H5674} the king {H4428} over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king started back and arrived at the Yarden, while Y'hudah came to Gilgal in order to meet the king and bring the king over the Yarden.

Berean Standard Bible

So the king returned, and when he arrived at the Jordan, the men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet him and escort him across the Jordan.

American Standard Version

So the king returned, and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to bring the king over the Jordan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 19:15 masterfully captures the pivotal moment of King David's return to his throne after Absalom's rebellion, detailing his approach to the Jordan River and the proactive, loyal reception orchestrated by the tribe of Judah at Gilgal. This scene signifies not only a geographical transition but also a profound national reconciliation and the re-establishment of David's legitimate kingship, marking a crucial step in the restoration of order and unity to a fractured Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in David's life and reign, immediately following the devastating defeat of Absalom's rebellion. David had been forced to flee Jerusalem and cross the Jordan River to Mahanaim, as recounted in [2 Samuel 17:24](/2_samuel/17-24 "2 Samuel 17:24 - David Flees to Mahanaim"). With Absalom's death and Joab's decisive intervention to prevent David's continued mourning from demoralizing his troops, the narrative shifts to the intricate political and logistical arrangements for David's return. The preceding verses in [2 Samuel 19](/2_samuel/19 "2 Samuel 19 - David's Return to Jerusalem") highlight the growing unrest among the tribes over David's delayed return ([2 Samuel 19:9-10](/2_samuel/19-9-10 "2 Samuel 19:9-10 - Israel Debates David's Return")), prompting David to send a strategic message to the elders of Judah, his own tribe, and specifically to Amasa, offering him Joab's position ([2 Samuel 19:11-14](/2_samuel/19-11-14 "2 Samuel 19:11-14 - David Appeals to Judah")). This verse, therefore, is the direct and positive outcome of David's appeal and Judah's eager response, setting the stage for the king's physical crossing of the Jordan and the subsequent encounters with various figures like Shimei, Mephibosheth, and Barzillai, all of which further underscore the theme of reconciliation and re-establishment of authority.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Israelite monarchy, particularly during David's reign, was a complex tapestry of tribal loyalties, familial dynamics, and the ever-present threat of internal strife. The Jordan River was not merely a geographical feature but a highly significant boundary, often symbolizing a point of transition or a divide in Israelite history, from the miraculous entry into the Promised Land under Joshua ([Joshua 3:14-17](/joshua/3-14-17 "Joshua 3:14-17 - The Crossing of the Jordan")) to various other pivotal events. For David, recrossing the Jordan symbolized his passage from a period of exile, vulnerability, and civil war back to the heartland of his kingdom and the seat of his divinely appointed power. The act of "conducting the king over Jordan" was a culturally profound gesture, far exceeding a simple meeting. It represented an active demonstration of submission, honor, and crucial assistance, signifying Judah's renewed allegiance and their instrumental role in restoring David's legitimate rule. This public display of loyalty was essential for stabilizing the kingdom after the widespread disaffection caused by Absalom's rebellion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Return and Restoration** is paramount, as David's physical journey back across the Jordan mirrors the spiritual and political restoration of his kingdom after the intense turmoil of Absalom's revolt. It signifies the reassertion of legitimate, divinely ordained authority and the mending of a deeply fractured nation. Closely intertwined is the theme of **Loyalty and Reconciliation**, vividly illustrated by the tribe of Judah—David's own tribe—taking the proactive initiative to meet him at Gilgal. This act of "conducting the king over Jordan" is a profound gesture of renewed loyalty and a crucial step towards national reconciliation after the devastating civil war, demonstrating their eagerness to welcome him back and repair the damaged relationship. Furthermore, the **Geographical and Historical Significance** of the chosen locations is vital: the Jordan River represents a threshold or transition, while Gilgal holds deep historical and spiritual meaning for Israel. It was the first encampment of the Israelites after their initial crossing of the Jordan into Canaan, where they renewed their covenant with God and circumcised the new generation ([Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - Circumcision and Passover at Gilgal")). It was also a place where kingship was affirmed, notably for Saul ([1 Samuel 11:15](/1_samuel/11-15 "1 Samuel 11:15 - Saul's Kingship Renewed at Gilgal")). Judah's choice of Gilgal to meet David thus underscores the hope for a national renewal and the re-establishment of David's divinely ordained rule on a foundation of covenant faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **returned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) means "to turn back," "to return," or "to restore." While it literally describes David's physical movement back towards Jerusalem, it carries a profound theological implication of re-establishment and restoration. In various biblical contexts, _shûwb_ can denote repentance or a turning back to God, but here it signifies David's return to his rightful place as king, symbolizing the restoration of order, legitimate authority, and divine favor after a period of chaos, rebellion, and personal exile. It marks a reversal of fortune.
* **Jordan (Hebrew, _Yardên'_):** The name of the river (H3383), meaning "a descender," referring to its downward flow. Beyond its geographical reality, the Jordan frequently functions as a highly symbolic boundary in the biblical narrative. Its crossing often marks a significant transition, such as Israel's entry into the Promised Land from the wilderness. For David, approaching and crossing the Jordan signifies his passage from a state of vulnerability and exile in Transjordan back to the heartland of his kingdom and the seat of his power, marking a decisive shift from flight to re-entry.
* **conduct (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** This primitive root (H5674) means "to cross over" or "to pass through." However, in this context, it is used in the Hiphil stem (causative voice), meaning "to cause to pass over," "to bring over," or "to escort." This grammatical nuance is crucial because it emphasizes Judah's active, intentional, and facilitative role in David's return. It is not merely that they met him, but that they took the initiative to assist and escort him across the significant boundary of the Jordan. This action signifies their submission, renewed allegiance, and their commitment to ensuring his safe passage and re-establishment as king. It is an act of profound service, homage, and public reconciliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the king returned, and came to Jordan":** This initial clause establishes David's personal journey and the beginning of his re-entry into his kingdom. The verb "returned" (שׁוּב, _shûwb_) highlights the reversal of his flight, marking the commencement of his journey back from exile. His arrival at the Jordan River signifies his approach to a crucial geographical and symbolic threshold, separating him from the core territories of his kingdom and the seat of his authority in Jerusalem.
* **"And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king":** This part of the verse shifts the narrative focus to the proactive response of the tribe of Judah. Their decision to travel to Gilgal is highly significant, as this location carries deep historical, covenantal, and monarchical meaning for Israel. The phrase "to go to meet" (לִקְרַאת, _liqra't_) implies a formal, intentional, and welcoming reception, underscoring their eagerness and initiative in demonstrating renewed loyalty and allegiance to their king after the rebellion.
* **"to conduct the king over Jordan":** This final clause explicitly states the purpose of Judah's gathering and their active role. Their intention was not merely to greet David, but to actively facilitate his crossing of the Jordan River. This act of "conducting" or "bringing over" (עָבַר, _'âbar_ in the Hiphil) emphasizes their full commitment to restoring David to his rightful place. It symbolizes their reconciliation with him, their public declaration of allegiance after the rebellion, and their desire for national unity and the re-establishment of David's divinely appointed authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Symbolism** to convey its profound meaning. The Jordan River itself serves as a powerful symbol of transition and a crucial boundary, marking David's passage from the vulnerable state of exile to the restoration of his kingship within his own land. Gilgal, too, functions symbolically, evoking Israel's covenant renewal and the affirmation of kingship in earlier history, thereby imbuing David's return with a sense of divine legitimacy and national renewal. There is an implicit **Contrast** or **Parallelism** between David's initial panicked flight *over* the Jordan (cf. [2 Samuel 17:22](/2_samuel/17-22 "2 Samuel 17:22 - David Flees Across the Jordan")) and his triumphant, welcomed return *over* the same river. This highlights the dramatic shift from a state of chaos and rebellion to one of order, reconciliation, and restoration. The concise, action-oriented language contributes to the **Narrative Pacing**, conveying the urgency and directness of the events, effectively propelling the story forward towards the re-establishment of David's reign and the healing of the nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The return of King David to his throne, facilitated by the proactive welcome of Judah, resonates with profound theological and thematic connections throughout Scripture. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even amidst human rebellion, failure, and the chaos of civil war. David's kingship was divinely ordained through the Davidic Covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")), and his restoration signifies God's re-establishment of His chosen leader, demonstrating that God's sovereign purposes will ultimately prevail despite human opposition. This event underscores the pervasive biblical theme of reconciliation and restoration after periods of brokenness, whether personal, familial, or national. Just as Judah sought to mend its fractured relationship with David, the narrative highlights the importance of humility, initiative, and forgiveness in rebuilding community and trust. The eager anticipation of Judah for their king also foreshadows a deeper spiritual longing for the return of God's ultimate King, Jesus Christ.

* [Psalm 3:1-8](/psalms/3-1-8 "Psalm 3 - A Psalm of David's Deliverance")
* [Isaiah 40:1-5](/isaiah/40-1-5 "Isaiah 40:1-5 - Preparing the Way of the Lord")
* [Luke 15:20-24](/luke/15-20-24 "Luke 15:20-24 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This pivotal moment in David's reign offers rich and enduring lessons for contemporary life, particularly concerning the dynamics of reconciliation, the nature of leadership, and the importance of community. The proactive initiative of the tribe of Judah to meet David at Gilgal and "conduct him over Jordan" serves as a powerful model for bridging divides and rebuilding trust after conflict. It teaches us that genuine restoration often requires both humility from those in authority (David's willingness to return and extend grace) and active, intentional steps from those who have strayed or been alienated (Judah's eager welcome and commitment). In our own lives, whether within families, churches, workplaces, or broader communities, there are often "Jordans" that need to be crossed—symbolic barriers of resentment, misunderstanding, past hurts, or fractured relationships. This passage calls us to be agents of reconciliation, to take the initiative to extend grace, offer support, and actively participate in the healing process, rather than passively waiting for others to make the first move. It reminds us that the re-establishment of order, unity, and flourishing often begins with courageous acts of humility, forgiveness, and welcoming engagement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my personal relationships or community is reconciliation needed, and what proactive steps can I take, like Judah, to facilitate it?**
* **How does this account of David's restoration encourage me about God's faithfulness and His ability to bring order out of chaos in my own life or in the world around me?**
* **What does Judah's act of "conducting the king over Jordan" teach us about our role in supporting, honoring, and actively participating in the restoration of legitimate leadership, especially after periods of difficulty or division?**

### FAQ
**Why was Gilgal chosen as the meeting place for David's return?**

Answer: Gilgal held immense historical, spiritual, and national significance for Israel, making it an exceptionally symbolic and appropriate location for Judah to welcome David back and signal a new era of national renewal. It was the first encampment of the Israelites after they miraculously crossed the Jordan River into Canaan ([Joshua 4:19](/joshua/4-19 "Joshua 4:19 - Israel Encamped at Gilgal")), where they renewed their covenant with God through circumcision ([Joshua 5:9](/joshua/5-9 "Joshua 5:9 - Circumcision at Gilgal")) and celebrated the first Passover in the Promised Land. Furthermore, Gilgal was a place where kingship was affirmed; it was where Samuel confirmed Saul as king before the Lord ([1 Samuel 11:15](/1_samuel/11-15 "1 Samuel 11:15 - Saul's Kingship Renewed at Gilgal")). By choosing Gilgal, Judah was not merely meeting David; they were symbolically aligning his return with foundational moments of Israelite identity, covenant faithfulness, and the re-affirmation of legitimate, divinely appointed kingship. This choice powerfully communicated a desire for a fresh start, a return to God's covenant, and the re-establishment of David's rule on a firm, divinely sanctioned foundation after the turmoil of rebellion.

**What does "conduct the king over Jordan" imply beyond just meeting him?**

Answer: The Hebrew verb `עָבַר` (`'âbar`) used in the Hiphil stem, translated as "conduct" or "bring over," signifies much more than a passive meeting or simple greeting. It implies Judah's active, intentional, and responsible role in escorting and assisting David across the Jordan River. This was not merely a gesture of welcome but an act of profound service, homage, and a public declaration of their renewed allegiance. It underscored their commitment to restoring David to his rightful place and ensuring his safe passage and re-establishment. This active "conducting" symbolized the end of their rebellion and their willing submission to his authority, demonstrating their eagerness to facilitate his return to power and re-establish national unity under his rule. It was a tangible, public expression of reconciliation and loyalty, an act of "making way" for the king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The return of King David to his throne, marked by Judah's eager welcome and the symbolic crossing of the Jordan, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate kingship and glorious return of Jesus Christ. David, though a chosen king, experienced a period of exile and temporary dethronement due to rebellion, only to be restored by the loyal initiative of his people. This earthly pattern points to the divine reality of Christ, the true Son of David ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")), who willingly entered into a form of "exile" from His heavenly glory through His incarnation ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")), experienced profound rejection and death, but was triumphantly raised from the dead and ascended to His heavenly throne ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")). Just as Judah prepared to "conduct" David back, the Church, the spiritual Israel, eagerly awaits the second coming of Christ, our true King. His return will not be merely a restoration of an earthly kingdom, but the full and final establishment of His eternal, universal reign, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). The "crossing over Jordan" for David, signifying a passage from turmoil to peace and restoration, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's decisive victory over sin and death, which enables believers to pass from spiritual death to eternal life. He is the one who will return in glory to gather His people, judge the living and the dead, and bring ultimate reconciliation and restoration to all creation ([Matthew 25:31-34](/matthew/25-31-34 "Matthew 25:31-34 - The Judgment of the Nations"); [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return"); [Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Second Coming")).

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 5:9

And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.

1 Samuel 11:14

Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.

1 Samuel 11:15

And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.