2 Samuel 15:30-31

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:24-30

Here we have, I. The fidelity of the priests and Levites and their firm adherence to David and his interest. They knew David's great affection to them and their office, notwithstanding his failings. The method Absalom took to gain people's affections made no impression upon them; he had little religion in him, and therefore they steadily adhered to David. Zadok and Abiathar, and all the Levites, if he go, will accompany him, and take the ark with them, that, by it, they may ask counsel of God... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:31-37

Nothing, it seems, appeared to David more threatening in Absalom's plot than that Ahithophel was in it; for one good head, in such a design, is worth a thousand good hands. Absalom was himself no politician, but he had got one entirely in his interest that was, and would be the more dangerous because he had been all along acquainted with David's counsels and affairs; if therefore he can be baffled, Absalom is as good as routed and the head of the conspiracy cut off. This David endeavours to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:30

And David went up by the ascent of Mount Olivet ,.... So called from the olive trees that grew upon it, which is often mentioned in the New Testament, and where our Lord Jesus Christ, the antitype of David, often was, in his state of humiliation, Matthew 26:30 , and from whence he ascended to heaven after his resurrection, Acts 1:12 ; it was about a mile from Jerusalem, to the east of it: and wept as he went up ; thinking perhaps of the wickedness and rebellion of his son, of his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:31

And one told David ,.... That came either from Hebron or from Jerusalem: Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom ; Absalom sent for him, and it seems he came to him, and continued with him, see 2 Samuel 15:12 , and David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness ; either suffer him to give foolish counsel, or confound the schemes projected by him, and let them not be carried into execution; for God can, and sometimes does, disappoint... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 15:30

Had his head covered - This was not only the attitude of a mourner, but even of a culprit; they usually had their heads covered when condemned. See the case of Haman. When the king had pronounced his condemnation, they immediately covered his face, and led him out to punishment; Esther 7:8 ; (note). See also Quintus Curtius, De Philota, cap. vi.: I, Lictor; caput obnubito. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 15:31

Turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness - Ahithophel was a wise man, and well versed in state affairs; and God alone could confound his devices. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:13-30

The facts are: 1 . David, being informed of the rising in favour of Absalom, calls upon his friends to flee from Jerusalem, in order to avoid its being smitten by a sudden attack. 2 . His servants being willing to go with him, he leads out his entire household, with the exception of a few to take care of the house. 3 . In his departure he is accompanied by his bodyguard, and the six hundred men which followed him from Garb. 4 . Observing Ittai in the company, he suggests that,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:30

The ascent of mount Olivet; Hebrew, the ascent of the olive trees. The hill never was called Olivet, which is a word formed from the Latin mons oliveti, the mount of the olive grove. David had his head covered. This was a sign of grief among the Persians, Egyptians, and Romans, as well as the Hebrews (for whom see Ezekiel 24:17 ), it being originally a natural movement to conceal an outburst of tears. So we in great sorrow bury our faces in our hands. In this mark of mourning all... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:30

David's tears or Olivet. 1 . What a scene of fallen greatness and bitter grief is here depicted! He who yesterday reigned in Jerusalem, as the anointed (Messiah) of Jehovah, is today a homeless fugitive ( 2 Samuel 15:20 ), toiling up the ascent of Olivet, in deep humiliation and undisguised sorrow, with head covered ( 2 Samuel 3:31 , 2 Samuel 3:32 ; 2 Samuel 19:4 ) and feet bare; accompanied by stern warriors and tender women and children, all, like himself, with covered heads... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:31

And one told David. The Hebrew literally is, and David told. But we cannot suppose that David had previously known of Ahithophel's defection. The text is evidently corrupt, and the Authorized Version gives the right sense. On hearing of the defection of a man so famous for practical sound judgment, David prays to God to frustrate his counsel, and the opportunity for devising means for this end quickly follows. read more

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