David Flees Jerusalem; Loyal Followers Accompany Him
2 Samuel 15:13-37
2 S.15.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המגיד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:6 (verbal): The same description appears earlier in the chapter: Absalom's courteous reception of petitioners 'stole the hearts of the men of Israel'—the report in v.13 echoes this exact action and phrase.
- 1 Kings 12:16-20 (thematic): A large-scale defection from the house of David (the northern tribes rejecting Rehoboam) parallels the mass turning of Israelite loyalty from David to Absalom.
- Judges 9:22-24 (thematic): Gaal's agitation in Shechem and the townspeople's rising against Abimelech illustrate how local leaders can incite popular support and overturn established authority, similar to Absalom's winning of hearts.
- 1 Samuel 8:7 (thematic): God's rebuke to Samuel that Israel has 'rejected' him by asking for a king resonates with the motif of the people shifting their allegiance away from the established (divine/royal) order toward a preferred human leader.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the messenger came to David and said, “The heart of the men of Israel is after Absalom.”
- The messenger came to David and said, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom."
2 S.15.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לכל: PREP
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קומו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- ונברחה: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,pl
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- פליטה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מהרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- פן: CONJ
- ימהר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- והשגנו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- והדיח: VERB,hif,imperfect,3,m,sg
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- והכה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לפי: PREP
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 12:31-33 (verbal): Pharaoh and the Egyptians urge Israel to 'rise up and go' and hasten out of the land—language and the motif of urgent departure ('hasten'/'rise up') parallels David’s command to his household to flee quickly.
- 1 Samuel 19:18 (thematic): An earlier episode in David’s life where he flees from Saul and seeks refuge (to Samuel at Ramah); thematically parallels the motif of the persecuted/expelled leader forced into sudden flight.
- Psalm 3 (thematic): A psalm explicitly composed 'when he fled from Absalom'—the same occasion as 2 Sam 15:14; reflects the emotional and theological response to David’s flight and danger.
- 2 Samuel 15:23 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation of the same event: records David’s actual rising and movement toward the Mount of Olives, showing the fulfillment of the command to flee and the route taken.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then David said to all his servants who were with him in Jerusalem, “Rise up, and let us flee; for there shall be no escape for us from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”
- Then David said to all his servants who were with him in Jerusalem, "Rise up, and let us flee, lest there be no escape from Absalom for us; haste, lest he overtake and bring evil upon us and strike the city with the edge of the sword."
2 S.15.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ככל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יבחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הנה: PART
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:18 (verbal): Ittai's explicit pledge of loyalty uses similar language and commitment ('as the LORD lives... thy servant will be with thee'), paralleling the servants' readiness to follow the king.
- Joshua 1:16-17 (thematic): The tribes tell Joshua 'all that you command us we will do,' a communal pledge to obey and accompany the chosen leader similar to the servants' submission to the king's choice.
- 1 Chronicles 12:17-18 (structural): Reports of men rallying to David and declaring support for his kingship function like a structural parallel: subjects/warriors publicly commit themselves to the leader in a crisis.
- Mark 10:28 (thematic): Peter's declaration ('We have left all and followed you') echoes the theme of personal/collective willingness to serve and follow a leader, resonant with the servants' offer to do whatever the king chooses.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king’s servants said to the king, “Whatever my lord the king chooses, behold, your servants.”
- And the king's servants said to the king, "Whatever my lord the king chooses—behold, your servants."
2 S.15.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ביתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברגליו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,poss3,m
- ויעזב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- נשים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- פלגשים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לשמר: VERB,qal,inf
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 16:21–22 (verbal): Ahithophel urges Absalom to 'go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house' and Absalom publicly takes them; the language and episode directly echo and continue 15:16.
- 1 Kings 2:13–25 (thematic): Adonijah's request for Abishag (and Solomon's response) shows that seizing or claiming a royal woman was understood as a move to assert royal succession—the same political symbolism behind leaving/taking David's concubines.
- 2 Samuel 5:13 (thematic): Reports that David took more wives and concubines after settling in Jerusalem, providing the background reality of a royal harem and explaining why there were concubines 'to keep the house'.
- 2 Samuel 12:8 (allusion): Nathan's rebuke that God gave David his master's house and wives underscores the royal/political status of wives; it illuminates why control of the king's women (as in 15:16) has dynastic significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the king went forth, and all his household on foot; and the king left ten concubines to keep the house.
- So the king and all his household went out on foot; and the king left ten concubines to keep the palace.
2 S.15.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ברגליו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,poss3,m
- ויעמדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המרחק: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:14 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same episode—repeats the wording that the king and all the people passed over (went out), stressing the mass departure from Jerusalem.
- 2 Samuel 15:30 (structural): Continues the same movement: David ascends the Mount of Olives weeping and barefoot. Connects the image of ‘going out’ and standing at the ascent with the king’s emotional departure and route.
- 1 Samuel 22:1–2 (thematic): Earlier episode of David’s withdrawal where he departs and is joined by a following; thematically parallels a leader leaving and being accompanied by people in times of crisis.
- Psalm 3 (title) (allusion): Psalm explicitly ascribed to David ‘when he fled from Absalom’; thematically resonates with the flight from Jerusalem and the king’s distress described in 2 Sam 15:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king went forth, and all the people walked by foot, and they stood at the last house.
- The king and all the people went out on foot, and they stood at the farthest house.
2 S.15.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- עברים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הכרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הפלתי: VERB,hif,perf,1,c,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הגתים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ברגלו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,poss3ms
- מגת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עברים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 8:18 (verbal): Names the Cherethites and Pelethites as David’s royal guards (and Benaiah over them), directly matching the personnel groups listed in 2 Sam 15:18.
- 1 Chronicles 18:17 (verbal): Chronicles parallel to 2 Samuel 8:18—repeats that the Cherethites and Pelethites were associated with David’s service, reinforcing the same verbal tradition.
- 1 Kings 1:38 (verbal): The Cherethites and Pelethites appear again alongside David’s loyal supporters when Solomon is anointed, showing the same elite units functioning as the king’s close guard.
- 2 Samuel 15:20 (thematic): Mentions Ittai the Gittite (and his men) who accompanies David in his flight; thematically connects to the Gittites listed in 15:18 as part of David’s escort and loyal followers.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all his servants passed by him; and all the Kerethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who had come with him from Gath, passed by the king.
- All his servants passed on by him, and all the Cherethites and Pelethites and the six hundred Gittites who had come with him from Gath passed before the king.
2 S.15.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- הגתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למה: ADV
- תלך: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- גם: ADV
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- אתנו: PRON,1,pl
- שוב: ADV
- ושב: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- נכרי: ADJ,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- וגם: CONJ
- גלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- למקומך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam 15:21-22 (structural): Immediate sequel: Ittai replies to the king’s attempt to send him back, insisting on accompanying David — clarifies the response implied by v.19 and the motif of foreign loyalty.
- Ruth 1:16-17 (thematic): A foreigner's steadfast loyalty to an Israelite leader/household (Ruth to Naomi) parallels Ittai the Gittite’s refusal to abandon David despite being a stranger.
- Joshua 2:9-11 (thematic): Rahab, a non‑Israelite, pledges allegiance to Israel’s leaders and is spared; parallels the motif of a foreigner choosing loyalty to Israel’s ruler.
- 1 Sam 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan’s covenantal loyalty to David in the face of political danger echoes the theme of personal allegiance to a threatened leader, like Ittai’s commitment to David.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why will you also go with us? Return and take back your place; you are a stranger and an exile in your own country.”
- And the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you also go with us? Turn back, and remain with the king's servants; you are a foreigner and an exile."
2 S.15.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תמול: ADV
- בואך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,poss-2ms
- והיום: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אניעך: VERB,hiph,impf,1,sg,obj-2ms
- עמנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- הולך: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- הולך: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- שוב: ADV
- והשב: VERB,hifil,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אחיך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ruth 1:16 (thematic): Ruth’s pledge “Where you go I will go…” parallels the theme of personal loyalty and insistence on accompanying a leader/family member in exile or danger, like the vow to go with David.
- 1 Samuel 20:14-17 (thematic): Jonathan’s covenant with David (promising steadfast kindness to David’s house) echoes the reciprocal obligations of loyalty and the idea of returning kindness to a family/ally.
- 2 Samuel 9:7-8 (thematic): David’s promise to show kindness to Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake parallels the commitment to act with ‘chesed’ (kindness) toward a kinsman and restore or protect family interests.
- Proverbs 3:3-4 (verbal): The pair “kindness and truth” (chesed ve‑'emet) appears explicitly here as a moral injunction to keep mercy and faithfulness, echoing the exact wording and ethical emphasis of 2 Sam 15:20.
- Psalm 85:10 (verbal): “Mercy and truth have met” uses the same lexical pair (chesed and emet), thematically connecting the covenantal/ethical dimensions of kindness and faithfulness found in 2 Sam 15:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ittai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be—whether to death or to life—there also will your servant be.”
- He said, "Yesterday you came; today must you go with us? Return, take your countrymen back, and show them kindness and faithfulness."
2 S.15.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וחי: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- במקום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אם: CONJ
- למות: VERB,qal,inf
- אם: CONJ
- לחיים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שם: ADV
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
Parallels
- Ruth 1:16 (thematic): A foreigner pledges unqualified loyalty to her human lord/mistress ('where you go I will go; your people shall be my people'), echoing Ittai the Gittite's commitment to follow David 'whether to die or to live.'
- Joshua 1:16-18 (structural): The tribes formally promise to obey and accompany Joshua ('all that you command us we will do'), paralleling the communal/ministerial pledge of allegiance and accompaniment given to a leader under threat.
- 1 Chronicles 12:17-18 (thematic): A group of warriors publicly declares 'We are yours, O David,' offering loyalty and support—an immediate parallel to supporters (including foreigners) pledging themselves to David in his time of flight.
- Matthew 26:35 (thematic): Peter vows to remain loyal to Jesus even to death ('though I must die with you, I will never disown you'), a New Testament counterpart to Ittai's pledge to stay with his lord 'whether to die or to live.'
- Romans 14:8 (thematic): Paul's statement 'whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s' resonates the same affirmation that life or death does not alter committed belonging—the theological echo of Ittai's vow of steadfast service.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said to Ittai, “Go and pass over.” So Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones who were with him.
- But Ittai answered the king, "As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for life or for death, there also will your servant be."
2 S.15.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ועבר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויעבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- הגתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- אנשיו: NOUN,m,pl,poss:3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הטף: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- 2 Sam 15:21 (structural): Ittai's spoken pledge to David ('whether it be life or death...') explains his subsequent action in v.22 — the verbal commitment that motivates him to cross with David.
- 2 Sam 15:23 (structural): David's attempt to send Ittai back; this verse frames v.22 by showing the king's concern and the choice Ittai makes to ignore the counsel.
- 2 Sam 15:24 (structural): Ittai's final insistence on accompanying David despite the king's counsel completes the immediate narrative unit that includes v.22 (the crossing and accompaniment).
- Ruth 1:16–17 (thematic): Ruth's famous vow to follow Naomi ('whither thou goest I will go') parallels Ittai's loyal decision to accompany a foreign leader into an uncertain future — both express steadfast personal loyalty.
- 1 Sam 20:14–17 (thematic): Jonathan's covenantal loyalty to David amid political danger parallels the theme of devoted allegiance to David demonstrated by Ittai's choice to go with him.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the country wept with a loud voice; and all the people passed on, and the king passed over the brook Kidron; and all the people passed by themselves toward the wilderness.
- And David said to Ittai, "Go, and pass over." So Ittai the Gittite and all his men and all the little ones who were with him passed over.
2 S.15.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בוכים: VERB,qal,ptc,m,pl
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עברים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- והמלך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנחל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,const
- קדרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עברים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- המדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
Parallels
- John 18:1 (verbal): Same geographic detail—Jesus and his disciples go across the Kidron Valley to the garden—echoing the motif of a leader leaving the city by the Kidron.
- Mark 14:26 (cf. Matthew 26:30, Luke 22:39) (thematic): The disciples and Jesus 'went out to the Mount of Olives' (near the Kidron), paralleling the movement of David and his followers toward the Mount/Kidron area and the theme of a momentous departure.
- 2 Samuel 15:30 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same episode: verse 30 records David's visible mourning (barefoot, covered head) as he goes up the Mount of Olives—complements 15:23's report of the people's weeping and the king's crossing.
- Psalm 3 (thematic): A psalm attributed to David 'when he fled from Absalom'—reflects the emotional and communal crisis (many foes, lament, reliance on God) corresponding to the scene of public weeping and the king's flight in 2 Sam 15:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, Zadok also and all the Levites were bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar went up until all the people had finished passing out of the city.
- All the country wept with a loud voice; and all the people passed over; the king passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed on toward the wilderness.
2 S.15.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנה: ADV
- גם: ADV
- צדוק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- נשאים: PARTCP,pual,pass,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויצקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אביתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- תם: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לעבור: VERB,qal,infc
- מן: PREP
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Chron.15.11-15 (verbal): Mentions Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites bearing the ark and setting it down—closely parallels the personnel and action in 2 Sam 15:24.
- 2 Sam.6.3-4 (verbal): Earlier narrative of the ark being carried by David’s men; similar language about ‘they carried the ark of God,’ linking methods and dangers of moving the ark.
- Num.4.15 (structural): Prescribes the Levites’ duty in transporting and covering the holy things (including the ark)—provides the cultic regulation underlying the Levites’ bearing of the ark.
- Exod.25.14 (verbal): Divine instruction to provide rings and poles for bearing the ark; echoes the practical requirement for how the ark is to be carried.
- 1 Kings 8.1 (thematic): The priests bring the ark out of the City of David to its place in the temple—parallels the movement of the ark in a major public transfer tied to leadership and national assembly.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city: if I find favor in the sight of the LORD, he will bring me back and will show me both it and his dwelling place.
- Behold, Zadok and all the Levites were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD; they set down the ark of the LORD, and Abiathar went up until all the people had left the city.
2 S.15.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לצדוק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- השב: VERB,hif,imp,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אם: CONJ
- אמצא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והשבני: CONJ+VERB,hiphil,impv,2,m,sg,obj:1,sg
- והראני: VERB,hifil,imp,2,m,sg+1cs
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- ואת: CONJ
- נוהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:24 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verse sets up David’s instruction to Zadok about the ark and the decision to send it back as he flees Absalom.
- 2 Samuel 15:26 (thematic): Continuation of the same trust in Yahweh’s will—David submits himself to God’s decision about returning and seeing the ark and its dwelling.
- 1 Chronicles 13:13 (verbal): Very close wording and situation: David expresses the conditional hope that if he finds favor with the LORD the ark and its habitation will be shown to him.
- 2 Samuel 6:10–11 (thematic): Earlier episode where David refrains from bringing the ark into the city because of divine displeasure; provides background for David’s caution about moving the ark and seeking God’s favor.
- Psalm 132:8–14 (thematic): Speaks of bringing the ark to God’s rest and the ark as God’s habitation—echoes the concern for the ark and the desire to see God’s dwelling expressed in 2 Sam 15:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- But if he say thus, ‘I have no delight in you,’ behold, then shall he do to me as seems good to him.”
- And David said to Zadok, "Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the sight of the LORD, he will bring me back and show me both it and its dwelling-place.
2 S.15.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- כה: ADV
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- חפצתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,-,sg
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- יעשה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
Parallels
- Job 1:21 (thematic): Job's statement ('The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away') expresses the same resignation to providence and acceptance of events as David's willingness to let matters be done as seems good to another authority.
- Luke 22:42 (thematic): Jesus' prayer ('not my will, but thine be done') parallels David's submission to a will beyond his own control—acceptance of a course determined by another.
- Genesis 50:20 (thematic): Joseph's interpretation of his brothers' harmful intent as part of God's plan reflects the theme of accepting others' actions as fitting into a higher ordering, similar to David's readiness to be treated as seems good to the ruler.
- 1 Samuel 24:12 (structural): David's refusal to avenge himself against Saul and his statement that God will decide and punish mirror the narrative posture here—David yielding judgment and outcome to the sovereign authority.
- Psalm 31:15 (thematic): 'My times are in thy hand' conveys trust and yielding to divine timing and disposition, akin to David's readiness to accept whatever is decided for him.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said to Zadok the priest, “Behold, you are knowledgeable—return to the city in peace; and your two sons, Ahimaaz your son and Jonathan the son of Abiathar, your two sons, shall be with you.
- But if he should say, 'I have no delight in you,' behold, then he will do to me what seems good to him."
2 S.15.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- צדוק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הרואה: VERB,qal,part,0,m,sg,def
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- שבה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בשלום: PREP
- ואחימעץ: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנך: NOUN,m,sg,cstr+poss,2,m,sg
- ויהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביתר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- בניכם: NOUN,m,pl,const+2mp
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:24 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: David again instructs Zadok to return to the city with his sons — same command and phrasing (priest told to remain in Jerusalem).
- 2 Samuel 17:17-21 (thematic): Ahimaaz (son of Zadok) and Jonathan (son of Abiathar) appear as couriers/messengers sent from the city to David, continuing the relationship between the priests’ families and David established in 15:27.
- 2 Samuel 18:19-27 (verbal): Ahimaaz’s role as the swift runner who brings news to David (of Absalom’s fate) echoes his identification here as Zadok’s son and shows the practical outcome of David’s instruction for his son to remain available to him.
- 1 Kings 1:32-40 (thematic): Zadok’s priestly authority in royal succession is on display when he (with Nathan) anoints Solomon — connects to Zadok’s pivotal priestly role during dynastic crisis begun in 2 Samuel 15.
- 1 Samuel 22:20-23 (allusion): Abiathar’s flight to David (and subsequent service) explains the presence of his son Jonathan with David’s party here; links the Abiathar family’s priestly allegiance to David across narratives.
Alternative generated candidates
- See, I will tarry in the plains of the wilderness until there come word from you to tell me.”
- And David said to Zadok the priest, "See, remain in the city in peace—you and your son Ahimaaz, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar; the two of them remain with you.
2 S.15.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ראו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- מתמהמה: VERB,hitp,pres,1,sg
- בערבות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- המדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- בוא: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעמכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,2,pl
- להגיד: INF,hiph
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.23.14 (structural): David again 'abode in the wilderness' (Ziph) while events unfolded — same pattern of royal flight and temporary residence in the desert awaiting further news.
- 1 Sam.24.1 (structural): David is described as being in the wilderness of En-gedi while Saul sought him — a parallel instance of David withdrawing to desert refuge during a crisis.
- Ps.55:6-8 (thematic): The psalmist longs to 'flee and be at rest' and to dwell in the wilderness until danger passes — echoes the motif of escaping to the desert and waiting for word or relief.
- Ps.57:1 (thematic): ‘I will make my refuge... until these calamities be overpast’ — shares the explicit 'until' waiting-for-deliverance language and refuge-in-time-of-trouble theme found in 2 Samuel 15:28.
- 1 Kings 19:4-8 (thematic): Elijah flees into the wilderness, rests there and awaits God's provision and further word — a prophetic parallel of withdrawing to the desert as a place of waiting and receiving guidance.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and stayed there.
- So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark to Jerusalem and remained there.
2 S.15.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- צדוק: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואביתר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- את: PRT,acc
- ארון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:24 (verbal): Parallel account in the Chronicler's history linking the priests Zadok and Abiathar with the ark and its location in Jerusalem — another report of priestly custody of the ark in the Davidic period.
- 2 Samuel 6:2–3 (structural): Earlier narrative of David bringing the ark to Jerusalem; shares the motif of relocating/establishing the ark in Jerusalem and the involvement of the priesthood.
- 1 Chronicles 13:6–8 (verbal): The Chronicler's description of David's first attempt to transport the ark, involving Levites and priests — a close parallel on the movement and handling of the ark (and its custodians).
- 1 Samuel 6:12–15 (thematic): Account of the ark's return from Philistine control and its reception at Kiriath‑Jearim; thematically connected as part of Israel's tradition of the ark's transfer and eventual placement in Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping; and his head was uncovered, and he went barefoot; and all the people that were with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went.
- David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he walked barefoot; and all the people who were with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.
2 S.15.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- במעלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הזיתים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ובוכה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- וראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- חפוי: ADJ,m,sg
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יחף: ADJ,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- חפו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ועלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ובכה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam 15:23 (verbal): Nearly identical description of David's ascent of the Mount of Olives with head covered and the people weeping — a close textual/structural repetition within the narrative.
- 2 Sam 16:5-14 (thematic): Shimei's cursing and throwing stones at the fleeing, barefoot David (and David's restrained response) continue the scene of humiliation and public mourning begun in 15:30.
- Isaiah 20:2-3 (thematic): The prophet walks naked and barefoot as a symbolic act of humiliation and public sign — parallels the motif of barefoot/head-covered movement as symbolic mourning or shame.
- Job 1:20 (thematic): Job tears his robe, shaves his head and falls to the ground in mourning — comparable ritual expressions of grief and self-abasement (head/garment/humble posture) reflected in David's covered head and barefootedness.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David was told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” Then David said, “O LORD, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”
- And David said, "O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel to foolishness."
2 S.15.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ודוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הגיד: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אחיתפל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בקשרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עם: PREP
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סכל: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- את: PRT,acc
- עצת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- אחיתפל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:12 (structural): Immediate context: earlier report that Ahithophel had joined Absalom's conspiracy — the same fact David is informed of in 15:31.
- 2 Samuel 17:1-4 (quotation): Records Ahithophel’s specific military counsel to Absalom (to pursue David), the very advice David prays be made foolish in 15:31.
- 2 Samuel 17:14 (verbal): Narrative theological comment that the LORD thwarted Ahithophel’s counsel — a direct outcome of David’s plea in 15:31.
- Psalm 55:12-14 (thematic): Davidic lament about betrayal by a close companion; echoes the theme of intimate betrayal represented by Ahithophel’s defection to Absalom.
- Psalm 41:9 (thematic): Another Davidic complaint about a trusted friend betraying him, thematically parallel to Ahithophel’s betrayal and David’s appeal for God to frustrate his counsel.
Alternative generated candidates
- When David came to the top where one worships God, behold, Hushai the Archite met him, with his garment rent and dust upon his head.
- When David came to the top, behold, Hushai the Archite met him, with his garment torn and dust on his head.
2 S.15.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- הראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ישתחוה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והנה: ADV
- לקראתו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- חושי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארכי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קרוע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- כתנתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואדמה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:30 (structural): Same narrative episode (David's flight); both verses depict gestures of mourning/humiliation (head covered, weeping) that frame the scene in which Hushai meets David.
- Genesis 37:34–35 (thematic): Jacob rends his garments and mourns for Joseph—tearing clothing as a conventional sign of grief, paralleling Hushai’s torn garment.
- 2 Samuel 13:19 (verbal): Tamar puts ashes on her head and rends her garment after her assault; direct verbal motifs (rending garments, dust/ashes on the head) parallel Hushai’s actions.
- Job 2:12 (thematic): Job’s friends tear their robes and show outward signs of mourning upon seeing his misery—another instance of tearing garments/dust-as-humiliation motif used to express sorrow and solidarity.
Alternative generated candidates
- And David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me;
- And David said to him, "If you go on with me, you will but be a burden to me.
2 S.15.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- עברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,ms,sg
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- והית: VERB,qal,juss,2,ms,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- למשא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 18:17-18 (thematic): Jethro warns Moses that the work is too heavy for one man and that he will wear himself out—similar theme of a leader recognizing that taking others along may become a burden or unsustainable responsibility.
- 2 Samuel 15:25-29 (structural): Earlier in the same episode David instructs Zadok and Abiathar (and the ark-bearers) to remain in the city—another instance of David sending people back rather than bringing them into danger or becoming their burden.
- 2 Samuel 15:37 (structural): Immediate narrative follow-up: Ittai replies that he will go with David despite the warning. This directly contrasts David’s refusal (verse 33) and shows the loyalty David sought to spare.
- Psalm 3:1-8 (title: A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom) (thematic): This psalm is traditionally tied to the same flight; it captures David’s experience of being pursued and his reliance on God rather than on human retainers—contextual parallel to David’s decision about who should accompany him.
Alternative generated candidates
- but if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; I was your father’s servant in the past, and now I will be your servant,’ then you may thwart for me the counsel of Ahithophel.
- But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king; I was your father's servant, and I will be your servant now'—and if you succeed in frustrating Ahithophel's counsel,
2 S.15.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תשוב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- ואמרת: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לאבשלום: PREP+PROPN,m,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אהיה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- מאז: ADV
- ועתה: CONJ
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- והפרתה: VERB,hiphil,perf,2,ms,sg,+obj:3,f,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עצת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- אחיתפל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 17:14 (verbal): Explicitly states that the LORD ordained to defeat Ahithophel’s counsel—direct continuation/result of Hushai’s claim to frustrate Ahithophel.
- 2 Samuel 16:23 (thematic): Describes how Ahithophel’s counsel was esteemed 'as one who inquired of God,' highlighting the authority Hushai sought to counter.
- Psalm 33:10-11 (thematic): Affirms God’s sovereign action in frustrating the plans and counsels of nations—parallels the divine overturning of Ahithophel’s advice.
- Proverbs 15:22 (thematic): Connects the theme of counsel and outcome: plans fail without sound counsel, underscoring the high stakes of competing advisers in David/Absalom narrative.
- 1 Kings 22:19-23 (allusion): Narrates the LORD/prophetic manipulation of counsel (a spirit causing false prophecy) to bring about a political outcome—comparable motif of divine sovereignty over human counsel.
Alternative generated candidates
- And did not Zadok and Abiathar the priests remain there with their two sons, Ahimaaz the son of Zadok and Jonathan the son of Abiathar? By them you shall send me every word that you hear.”
- see, there are Zadok and Abiathar the priests there; whatever you hear in the king's house, tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
2 S.15.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והלוא: PART
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- שם: ADV
- צדוק: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ואביתר: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תשמע: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תגיד: VERB,hiphil,impf,2,m,sg
- לצדוק: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ולאביתר: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:24 (structural): Immediate context: Zadok and Abiathar are with David as he flees Jerusalem—establishes the priests' physical presence and political role referenced in v.35.
- 2 Samuel 17:15 (verbal): Direct follow-up to v.35: Hushai instructs Zadok and Abiathar to send messengers (and later to convey specific instructions) to David—same arrangement of priests as intermediaries.
- 2 Samuel 18:19–27 (thematic): Ahimaaz (son of Zadok) and the Cushite serve as messengers bringing news to David—illustrates the priests' family functioning as couriers and informants in the conflict.
- 1 Samuel 22:20–23 (allusion): Abiathar's earlier flight to David (bringing the ephod) shows his established priestly alliance with David and explains why David and his circle rely on Zadok/Abiathar as channels of communication.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city; and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
- Behold, there are with them the two sons—Ahimaaz the son of Zadok and Jonathan the son of Abiathar—send them by their hand to me every word you hear."
2 S.15.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הנה: PART
- שם: ADV
- עמם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- בניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,pl
- אחימעץ: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לצדוק: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאביתר: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ושלחתם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- בידם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כל: DET
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תשמעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:24 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: David names the two sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan and instructs that they (through Zadok and Abiathar) send him whatever news they hear — essentially the same instruction repeated earlier in the narrative.
- 2 Samuel 17:17-21 (structural): Narrative continuation in which Ahimaaz and Jonathan act as the messengers David appointed, running to bring him the outcome of Absalom's council and Hushai’s report — directly fulfills the role described in 15:36.
- 2 Samuel 18:19-33 (thematic): Later scene where Ahimaaz and another runner (and a Cushite) bring David news about the battle and Absalom’s fate; parallels the messenger motif and the use of Zadok/Abiathar’s sons as couriers of critical intelligence to the king.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Hushai, David's friend, came into the city, and Absalom came to Jerusalem.
2 S.15.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- חושי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואבשלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יבא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:32-36 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Hushai meets David, volunteers to return to Jerusalem as a spy/agent, and is then sent back — these verses set up and directly lead into 15:37.
- 2 Samuel 17:14-16 (verbal): Later retelling of the same episode: Hushai is sent back to Jerusalem to frustrate Ahithophel’s counsel; the wording and movement of Hushai into the city echo 15:37.
- 2 Samuel 15:10-12 (thematic): Description of Absalom’s successful courting of Israel’s leaders and his seizure of support — thematically parallels Absalom’s coming to Jerusalem to assume royal authority in 15:37.
- 1 Kings 1:5-10 (thematic): Adonijah’s attempt to secure the throne by gathering allies in the royal city parallels Absalom’s usurpation tactics and entry into Jerusalem to claim power.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus Hushai the Archite entered the city as David went up the way toward the wilderness.
The messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom." And David said to all his servants who were with him in Jerusalem, "Arise and let us flee, for there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Make haste to go, lest he overtake us and bring disaster upon us and strike the city with the edge of the sword." And the king's servants said to the king, "As my lord the king shall choose, so are your servants." And the king went out, and all his household on foot; and the king left ten concubines to keep the house. And the king and all the people went out on foot and stood at the last house. And all his servants passed by him, and all the Cherethites and all the Pelethites, and the six hundred Gittites who came from Gath, passed before the king. And the king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why will you also go with us? Return and go to your place, for you are a foreigner and an exile."
"You came only yesterday; and today shall I make you go about with us? I go whither I must go; return and take your brethren in kindness and truth." And Ittai answered the king, "As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be." And David said to Ittai, "Go, and pass over." So Ittai the Gittite and all his men and all the little ones who were with him passed over. And all the land wept with a loud voice; and all the people passed on, and the king passed over the brook Kidron; and all the people went toward the wilderness. And behold, Zadok and all the Levites carried the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar went up until all the people had gone out of the city. And the king said to Zadok, "Return the ark of God to the city; if I find favor in the sight of the LORD, return to me and show me its resting place." And if he should say, 'I have no delight in you,' behold, then he will do to me according to his will. And the king said to Zadok the priest, "See, you are old; remain in the city. Behold, your two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are with you; send them and let them carry to me any word you hear."
"Behold, I will wait in the plain of the wilderness until there comes word from you to tell me." So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and remained there. And David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he walked barefoot; and all the people who were with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went. And David said, "Ahithophel has joined the conspiracy with Absalom." And David said, "O LORD, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolish." And it came to pass when David had come to the top where one worships God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him, with his clothes torn and dust on his head. And David said to him, "If you pass on with me, you will be a burden to me;"
"but if you return to the city and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king; as I was your father's servant before,' then you can entrap him and frustrate the counsel of Ahithophel."
"And will you not be with Zadok and Abiathar the priests? And whatever you hear from the king's household you shall tell to Zadok and Abiathar the priests."
"Behold, there are with them their two sons, Ahimaaz the son of Zadok and Jonathan the son of Abiathar; send them and let them carry to me every word you hear." So Hushai, David's friend, came into the city, and Absalom came to Jerusalem.