2 Samuel 15:35

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

2 Samuel 15:35 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. It reveals David's astute strategic planning amidst chaos, highlighting his reliance on loyal allies and divine wisdom.

Context

This verse is spoken by King David to Hushai the Archite, one of his most loyal counselors. As David is forced to flee Jerusalem due to Absalom's swift and popular uprising (see 2 Samuel 15:14), he instructs Hushai to return to Jerusalem and feign allegiance to Absalom. Hushai's mission is to become an advisor to Absalom, thereby subverting Absalom's counsel from within. David understands the critical need for intelligence in this desperate situation, and he designates Zadok and Abiathar, the faithful priests, as the crucial link in this intelligence network.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Wisdom: David demonstrates remarkable foresight and cunning, not resorting to immediate confrontation but employing a sophisticated counter-intelligence operation.
  • Loyalty and Trust: The verse underscores the deep trust David places in Hushai, Zadok, and Abiathar, who remain steadfast despite the king's precarious position. This contrasts sharply with the widespread defection to Absalom.
  • Divine Providence: While human strategy is evident, the broader biblical narrative shows how God ultimately works through these plans to defeat Absalom's rebellion and restore David (as seen in how the Lord frustrated Absalom's good counsel through Hushai).
  • The Role of Priests: Zadok and Abiathar, traditionally spiritual leaders, are here tasked with a vital practical and national security role, serving as conduits for crucial information.

Strategic Importance

The instruction to Hushai to communicate "what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house" to Zadok and Abiathar establishes a critical intelligence pipeline. The priests, with their legitimate access to the city and their sons (Ahimaaz, Zadok's son, and Jonathan, Abiathar's son) who could move relatively freely, would serve as messengers. This network was essential for David to monitor Absalom's plans and movements, allowing him to anticipate and counteract them. This intricate system of communication proved vital for David's survival and eventual return to the throne.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into leadership, trust, and the importance of strategic planning. In challenging times, it highlights the value of:

  • Trusted Allies: Surrounding oneself with loyal and capable individuals is paramount.
  • Effective Communication: Clear and reliable channels for information flow are essential for decision-making.
  • Discernment and Patience: David didn't rush into battle but patiently set up a system to gather intelligence and allow God's plan to unfold. This echoes the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trusting in the Lord with all your heart.

Ultimately, 2 Samuel 15:35 illustrates how God can use human ingenuity and faithful relationships to work out His sovereign purposes, even in the midst of profound betrayal and national crisis.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 17:15 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

    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.