Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version
Book of 2 Samuel
Chapter 15  -  Read Chapter
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:1 JFB -> Commentary on 15:1 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:1 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:1 TSK -> Commentary on 15:1 TSK -> Entry for 15:1 WEN -> Notes on 15:1 NTB -> Ambition; Candidate; Children; David; Electioneering; Footman; Rebellion; Usurpation TTT -> Chariots; Judah, The Tribe of EBD -> Guard SBD -> Absalom; Solomon 15:1 - [In Context] After this, Absalom got a chariot F80 and horses for himself. He had 50 men run in front of him {while he drove the chariot}.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:2 JFB -> Commentary on 15:2 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:2 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:2 TSK -> Commentary on 15:2 TSK -> Entry for 15:2 WEN -> Notes on 15:2 NTB -> Absalom; Ambition; Candidate; Demagogism; Diplomacy; Electioneering; Flattery; Gates; Judge; King; Politics; Popularity; Usurpation TTT -> Flattery; Gates SBD -> Law of Moses; Solomon 15:2 - [In Context] Absalom got up early and stood near the gate. F81 Absalom watched for any person with problems who was going to King David for judgment. Then Absalom would talk to that person. Absalom would say, "What city are you from?" The man would answer, "I am from such and such family group in Israel."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:3 JFB -> Commentary on 15:3 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:3 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:3 TSK -> Commentary on 15:3 TSK -> Entry for 15:3 WEN -> Notes on 15:3 NTB -> Absalom; Ambition; Candidate; Demagogism; Diplomacy; Electioneering; Flattery; Politics; Popularity; Usurpation TTT -> Courts of Justice; Flattery SBD -> Law of Moses; Solomon 15:3 - [In Context] Then Absalom would say to this man, "Look, you are right, but King David won't listen to you."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:4 JFB -> Commentary on 15:4 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:4 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:4 TSK -> Commentary on 15:4 TSK -> Entry for 15:4 WEN -> Notes on 15:4 NTB -> Absalom; Ambition; Candidate; Demagogism; Diplomacy; Electioneering; Flattery; Politics; Popularity; Usurpation TTT -> Ambition; Courts of Justice; Flattery SBD -> Law of Moses; Solomon 15:4 - [In Context] Absalom would also say, "Oh, I wish someone would make me a judge in this country! Then I could help every man who comes to me with a problem. I would help him get a fair solution to his problem."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:5 JFB -> Commentary on 15:5 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:5 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:5 TSK -> Commentary on 15:5 TSK -> Entry for 15:5 WEN -> Notes on 15:5 NTB -> Absalom; Ambition; Candidate; Demagogism; Diplomacy; Electioneering; Flattery; Politics; Popularity; Usurpation TTT -> Flattery SBD -> Law of Moses; Solomon 15:5 - [In Context] And if a person came to Absalom and started to bow down to him, Absalom would {treat him like a close friend}--Absalom would reach out and touch that person and kiss him.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:6 JFB -> Commentary on 15:6 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:6 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:6 TSK -> Commentary on 15:6 TSK -> Entry for 15:6 WEN -> Notes on 15:6 NTB -> Absalom; Ambition; Candidate; Demagogism; Diplomacy; Electioneering; Flattery; Politics; Popularity; Usurpation TTT -> Flattery; Ingratitude SBD -> Dress; Law of Moses; Solomon 15:6 - [In Context] Absalom did that to all the Israelites who came to King David for judgment. In this way, Absalom won the hearts of all the people of Israel.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:7 JFB -> Commentary on 15:7 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:7 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:7 SRN -> Study Notes on 15:7 TSK -> Commentary on 15:7 TSK -> Entry for 15:7 WEN -> Notes on 15:7 NTB -> Ambition; Consecration; Covenant; Deception; Usurpation; Vows TTT -> Hypocrites EBD -> Absalom 15:7 - [In Context] After four years, F82 Absalom said to King David, "Please let me go to complete my special promise that I made to the Lord at Hebron.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:8 JFB -> Commentary on 15:8 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:8 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:8 TSK -> Commentary on 15:8 TSK -> Entry for 15:8 WEN -> Notes on 15:8 NTB -> Ambition; Consecration; Covenant; Syria; Usurpation; Vows TTT -> Hypocrites EBD -> Geshur SBD -> Geshur; Vows 15:8 - [In Context] I made that promise while I was still living in Geshur, Aram. I said, 'If the Lord brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.'"
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:9 JFB -> Commentary on 15:9 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:9 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:9 WEN -> Notes on 15:9 NTB -> Ambition; Hebron; Usurpation 15:9 - [In Context] King David said, "Go in peace." Absalom went to Hebron.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:10 JFB -> Commentary on 15:10 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:10 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:10 TSK -> Commentary on 15:10 TSK -> Entry for 15:10 WEN -> Notes on 15:10 NTB -> Ambition; Citizens; Conspiracy; Hebron; King; Spies; Trumpet; Usurpation TTT -> Children, Wicked; Kings EBD -> Hebron 15:10 - [In Context] But Absalom sent spies through all the family groups of Israel. These spies told the people, "When you hear the trumpet, then say, 'Absalom has become the king at Hebron!'"
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:11 JFB -> Commentary on 15:11 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:11 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:11 TSK -> Commentary on 15:11 TSK -> Entry for 15:11 WEN -> Notes on 15:11 NTB -> Ambition; Citizens; Conspiracy; Usurpation 15:11 - [In Context] Absalom invited 200 men to go with him. Those men left Jerusalem with him, but they did not know what he was planning.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:12 JFB -> Commentary on 15:12 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:12 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:12 TSK -> Commentary on 15:12 TSK -> Entry for 15:12 WEN -> Notes on 15:12 NTB -> Ahithophel; Ambition; Ark; Cabinet; Citizens; Conspiracy; Friends; Giloh; Usurpation EBD -> Ahithophel; Counsellor; Giloh SBD -> Dress; Giloh; Gilonite, The 15:12 - [In Context] Ahithophel was one of David's advisers. Ahithophel was from the town of Giloh. While Absalom was offering sacrifices, F83 he called Ahithophel to come from his city (Giloh). Absalom's plans were working very well and more and more people began to support him.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:13 JFB -> Commentary on 15:13 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:13 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:13 TSK -> Commentary on 15:13 TSK -> Entry for 15:13 WEN -> Notes on 15:13 NTB -> Absalom; Ambition; Citizens; Conspiracy; Cowardice; David; Popularity EBD -> David 15:13 - [In Context] A man came in to tell the news to David. The man said, "The people of Israel are beginning to follow Absalom."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:14 JFB -> Commentary on 15:14 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:14 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:14 TSK -> Commentary on 15:14 TSK -> Entry for 15:14 WEN -> Notes on 15:14 NTB -> Cowardice; David EBD -> David 15:14 - [In Context] Then David said to all of his officers who were with him in Jerusalem, "We must escape! {If we don't escape}, then Absalom will not let us get away. Let's hurry before Absalom catches us. He will destroy us all. And he will kill the people of Jerusalem."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:15 JFB -> Commentary on 15:15 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:15 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:15 TSK -> Commentary on 15:15 TSK -> Entry for 15:15 WEN -> Notes on 15:15 NTB -> Cowardice; David; Servant EBD -> David 15:15 - [In Context] The king's officers told him, "We will do anything you tell us."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:16 JFB -> Commentary on 15:16 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:16 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:16 TSK -> Commentary on 15:16 TSK -> Entry for 15:16 WEN -> Notes on 15:16 NTB -> Concubinage; Cowardice; David EBD -> David SBD -> Solomon 15:16 - [In Context] King David went out with all of the people in his house. The king left ten of his wives F84 to take care of the house.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:17 JFB -> Commentary on 15:17 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:17 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:17 TSK -> Commentary on 15:17 TSK -> Entry for 15:17 WEN -> Notes on 15:17 NTB -> Absalom; Cowardice; David EBD -> David 15:17 - [In Context] The king went out with all of his people following him. They stopped at the last house.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:18 JFB -> Commentary on 15:18 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:18 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:18 TSK -> Commentary on 15:18 TSK -> Entry for 15:18 WEN -> Notes on 15:18 NTB -> Cherethites; David; Gath; Israel; King; Pelethites EBD -> Army; David; Gittite; Pelethites SBD -> Army; Cherethites; David; Gittites; Itta-i 15:18 - [In Context] All of his officers passed by the king. And all of the Kerethites, all of the Pelethites, and the Gittites (600 men from Gath) passed by the king.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:19 JFB -> Commentary on 15:19 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:19 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:19 TSK -> Commentary on 15:19 TSK -> Entry for 15:19 WEN -> Notes on 15:19 NTB -> Aliens; David; Exile; Friendship; Gath; Ittai; Unselfishness EBD -> David; Gittite; Ittai SBD -> Gittites; Itta-i 15:19 - [In Context] The king said to Ittai from Gath, "Why are you also going with us? Turn back and stay with the new king (Absalom). You are a foreigner. This is not your homeland.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:20 JFB -> Commentary on 15:20 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:20 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:20 TSK -> Commentary on 15:20 TSK -> Entry for 15:20 WEN -> Notes on 15:20 NTB -> Aliens; David; Friendship; Gath; Ittai; Unselfishness EBD -> David; Ittai 15:20 - [In Context] Only yesterday you came to join me. Must you now wander from place to place with me? No! Take your brothers and go back. May kindness and loyalty be shown to you."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:21 JFB -> Commentary on 15:21 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:21 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:21 TSK -> Commentary on 15:21 TSK -> Entry for 15:21 WEN -> Notes on 15:21 NTB -> David; Friendship; Gath; Ittai; Loyalty; Servant EBD -> Ittai 15:21 - [In Context] But Ittai answered the king, "As the Lord lives, and as long as you live, I will stay with you. {I will be with you} in life or death!"
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:22 JFB -> Commentary on 15:22 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:22 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:22 TSK -> Commentary on 15:22 TSK -> Entry for 15:22 WEN -> Notes on 15:22 NTB -> David; Gath; Ittai EBD -> Ittai 15:22 - [In Context] David said to Ittai, "Come, let's go cross Kidron Brook." So Ittai from Gath and all of his people and their children crossed over {Kidron Brook}.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:23 JFB -> Commentary on 15:23 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:23 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:23 TSK -> Commentary on 15:23 TSK -> Entry for 15:23 WEN -> Notes on 15:23 NTB -> Citizens; David; Kidron; Loyalty; Weeping TTT -> Brooks EBD -> Kidron SBD -> Kidron, or Kedron SPG -> Devotional using 15:23 15:23 - [In Context] All the people F85 were crying loudly. King David crossed over Kidron Brook. Then all of the people went out to the desert.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:24 JFB -> Commentary on 15:24 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:24 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:24 TSK -> Commentary on 15:24 TSK -> Entry for 15:24 WEN -> Notes on 15:24 NTB -> Abiathar; Ark; David; Minister, Christian; Politics; Priest; Zadok TTT -> Ark of the Covenant; Armies of Israel, The; High Priest, The EBD -> Ahimaaz; Zadok SBD -> Ahima-az 15:24 - [In Context] Zadok and all of the Levites with him were carrying the Box of God's Agreement. F86 They set down God's Holy Box. And Abiathar said prayers F87 until all of the people had left Jerusalem.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:25 JFB -> Commentary on 15:25 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:25 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:25 TSK -> Commentary on 15:25 TSK -> Entry for 15:25 WEN -> Notes on 15:25 NTB -> Abiathar; Ark; David; Minister, Christian; Politics; Zadok EBD -> Ahimaaz; Zadok SBD -> Ahima-az 15:25 - [In Context] King David said to Zadok, "Take God's Holy Box F88 back to Jerusalem. If the Lord is pleased with me, then he will bring me back and let me see Jerusalem and his temple.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:26 JFB -> Commentary on 15:26 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:26 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:26 TSK -> Commentary on 15:26 TSK -> Entry for 15:26 WEN -> Notes on 15:26 NTB -> Abiathar; Afflictions And Adversities; Ark; David; Minister, Christian; Politics; Resignation; Zadok TTT -> Resignation EBD -> Ahimaaz; Zadok SBD -> Ahima-az 15:26 - [In Context] But if the Lord says that he is not pleased with me, then he can do anything he wants to me."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:27 JFB -> Commentary on 15:27 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:27 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:27 TSK -> Commentary on 15:27 TSK -> Entry for 15:27 WEN -> Notes on 15:27 NTB -> Abiathar; Ark; David; Jonathan; Minister, Christian; Politics; Prophets; Zadok TTT -> Prophets EBD -> Ahimaaz; Jonathan; Seer; Zadok SBD -> Ahima-az 15:27 - [In Context] The king said to Zadok the priest, "You are a seer. F89 Go back to the city in peace. Take your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:28 JFB -> Commentary on 15:28 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:28 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:28 TSK -> Commentary on 15:28 TSK -> Entry for 15:28 WEN -> Notes on 15:28 NTB -> Abiathar; Ark; David; Jonathan; Politics; Zadok EBD -> Ahimaaz; Zadok SBD -> Ahima-az 15:28 - [In Context] I will be waiting near the places where people go across the river into the desert. I will wait there until I hear from you."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:29 JFB -> Commentary on 15:29 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:29 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:29 WEN -> Notes on 15:29 NTB -> Abiathar; Ark; David; Politics; Zadok EBD -> Ahimaaz; Zadok SBD -> Ahima-az 15:29 - [In Context] So Zadok and Abiathar took God's Holy Box F90 back to Jerusalem and stayed there.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:30 JFB -> Commentary on 15:30 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:30 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:30 TSK -> Commentary on 15:30 TSK -> Entry for 15:30 WEN -> Notes on 15:30 NTB -> Citizens; David; Dust; Love; Loyalty; Mourning; Olives, Mount Of; Weeping; Zadok TTT -> Feet, The; Head; Shoes EBD -> Ahimaaz; Barefoot; Dress; Kidron; Olves, Mount of SBD -> Ahima-az; Dress; Kidron, or Kedron; Mourning; Olives, Mount of; Olivet; Sandal 15:30 - [In Context] David went up the Mount of Olives. He was crying. He covered his head and he went without shoes on his feet. All of the people with David also covered their heads. They went with David, crying.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:31 JFB -> Commentary on 15:31 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:31 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:31 TSK -> Commentary on 15:31 TSK -> Entry for 15:31 WEN -> Notes on 15:31 NTB -> Afflictions And Adversities; Ahithophel; David; Zadok EBD -> Ahimaaz; Ahithophel; Prayer SBD -> Ahima-az 15:31 - [In Context] A person told David, "Ahithophel is one of the people who made plans with Absalom." Then David prayed, "Lord, I ask you to make Ahithophel's advice useless."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:32 JFB -> Commentary on 15:32 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:32 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:32 TSK -> Commentary on 15:32 TSK -> Entry for 15:32 WEN -> Notes on 15:32 NTB -> David; Diplomacy; Friendship; Hushai; Mourning; Rending; Strategy; Zadok TTT -> Garments; Prudence EBD -> Ahimaaz; Ahithophel; Archite; Coat; Hushai; Nob SBD -> Ahima-az; Archite, The; Husha-i, or Hushai; Mourning 15:32 - [In Context] David came to the top of the mountain. This was where he often worshiped God. At that time, Hushai the Arkite came to him. Hushai's coat was torn, and there was dust on his head. F91
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:33 JFB -> Commentary on 15:33 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:33 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:33 TSK -> Commentary on 15:33 TSK -> Entry for 15:33 WEN -> Notes on 15:33 NTB -> David; Diplomacy; Friendship; Hushai; Prudence; Strategy; Zadok TTT -> Prudence EBD -> Ahimaaz; Ahithophel SBD -> Ahima-az 15:33 - [In Context] David said to Hushai, "If you go with me, then you will be just one more person to care for.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:34 JFB -> Commentary on 15:34 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:34 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:34 TSK -> Commentary on 15:34 TSK -> Entry for 15:34 WEN -> Notes on 15:34 NTB -> Ahithophel; David; Diplomacy; Falsehood; Friendship; Hushai; Prudence; Strategy; Zadok TTT -> Prudence EBD -> Ahimaaz; Ahithophel SBD -> Ahima-az 15:34 - [In Context] But if you go back to Jerusalem, you can make Ahithophel's advice become useless. Tell Absalom, 'King, I am your servant. I served your father, but now I will serve you.'
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:35 JFB -> Commentary on 15:35 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:35 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:35 TSK -> Commentary on 15:35 TSK -> Entry for 15:35 WEN -> Notes on 15:35 NTB -> Abiathar; David; Diplomacy; Falsehood; Friendship; Hushai; Prudence; Zadok EBD -> Ahimaaz; Ahithophel; Zadok SBD -> Ahima-az; Zadok 15:35 - [In Context] The priests Zadok and Abiathar will be with you. You must tell them everything you hear in the king's house.
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:36 JFB -> Commentary on 15:36 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:36 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:36 TSK -> Commentary on 15:36 TSK -> Entry for 15:36 WEN -> Notes on 15:36 NTB -> Abiathar; Ahimaaz; David; Diplomacy; Falsehood; Friendship; Hushai; Prudence; Zadok EBD -> Ahimaaz; Ahithophel; Jonathan; Zadok SBD -> Ahima-az; Jonathan; Zadok 15:36 - [In Context] Zadok's son Ahimaaz and Abiathar's son Jonathan will be with them. You will send them to tell me everything you hear."
Study Resource List GEB -> Study Notes on 15:37 JFB -> Commentary on 15:37 MHC-COM -> Commentary on 15:37 MHC-CON -> Commentary on 15:37 TSK -> Commentary on 15:37 TSK -> Entry for 15:37 WEN -> Notes on 15:37 NTB -> David; Diplomacy; Falsehood; Friendship; Hushai; Prudence EBD -> Ahimaaz; Ahithophel; Hushai SBD -> Ahima-az; Husha-i, or Hushai; Zabud 15:37 - [In Context] Then David's friend Hushai went into the city. And Absalom arrived at Jerusalem.
FOOTNOTES: F80: chariot(s)   A small wagon used in war. F81: gate   This was where people came to do all of their business. This was also where many court cases were held. F82: four years   Some ancient writings say "40 years." F83: sacrifice(s)   A gift to God. Usually it was a special animal that was killed and burned on an altar. F84: wives   Literally, "concubines," women servants that were like wives. F85: people   Literally, "country." F86: Box of God's Agreement, God's Holy Box   Also called "The Ark of the Covenant," the box containing the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them and the other things that proved God was with the people of Israel during their time in the Sinai Desert. F87: said prayers   Literally, "went up." This could mean, "burn incense," "offer sacrifices," or it might simply mean that Abiathar stood to one side, by the Holy Box, until all of the people passed by. F88: Box of God's Agreement, God's Holy Box   Also called "The Ark of the Covenant," the box containing the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them and the other things that proved God was with the people of Israel during their time in the Sinai Desert. F89: seer   Another name for a prophet. F90: Box of God's Agreement, God's Holy Box   Also called "The Ark of the Covenant," the box containing the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them and the other things that proved God was with the people of Israel during their time in the Sinai Desert. F91: coat was torn … head   This showed he was very sad.

Abbreviations Legend: GEB - Gill's Exposition; JFB - Jamieson, Fausset, Brown; MHC-COM - Matthew Henry Complete; MHC-CON - Matthew Henry Concise; SRN - Scofield Reference Notes; TSK - Treasury of Scripture Knowledge; WEN - Wesley's Explanatory Notes; NTB - Nave's Topical Bible; TSK - Treasury of Scripture Knowledge; TTT - Torrey's Topical Textbook; EBD - Easton's Bible Dictionary; SBD - Smith's Bible Dictionary; SPG - Spurgeon's Morning & Evening; Copyright Statement - Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version © 2001 by World Bible Translation Center, Inc. and used by permission.