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2 Samuel 15:17

2 Samuel 15:17 in Multiple Translations

So the king set out with all the people following him. He stopped at the last house,

And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.

And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak.

And the king went out, and all his servants went after him, and made a stop at the Far House.

The king left with all his soldiers following him. He stopped at the last house,

And the King went forth and all the people after him, and taried in a place farre off.

And the king goeth out, and all the people at his feet, and they stand still at the farthest off house.

The king went out, and all the people after him; and they stayed in Beth Merhak.

And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.

And the king going forth and all Israel on foot, stood afar off from the house:

When they all were leaving the city, they stopped at the last house.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 15:17

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Samuel 15:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ וְ/כָל הָ/עָ֖ם בְּ/רַגְלָ֑י/ו וַ/יַּעַמְד֖וּ בֵּ֥ית הַ/מֶּרְחָֽק
וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
בְּ/רַגְלָ֑י/ו regel H7272 foot Prep | N-fd | Suff
וַ/יַּעַמְד֖וּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
בֵּ֥ית Bêyth ham-Merchâq H1023 Beth-merchak N-ms
הַ/מֶּרְחָֽק Bêyth ham-Merchâq H1023 Beth-merchak Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 15:17

וַ/יֵּצֵ֥א yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הַ/מֶּ֛לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
בְּ/רַגְלָ֑י/ו regel H7272 "foot" Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
וַ/יַּעַמְד֖וּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
בֵּ֥ית Bêyth ham-Merchâq H1023 "Beth-merchak" N-ms
Beth-merchak is a place in Palestine, meaning remote house, possibly on the bank of Kidron. It is mentioned in the Bible as a location. The name describes its distant location.
Definition: Beth Ham-merchaq = "remote house" house or settlement on the bank of Kidron
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: place that was far off. See also: 2 Samuel 15:17.
הַ/מֶּרְחָֽק Bêyth ham-Merchâq H1023 "Beth-merchak" Art | N-ms
Beth-merchak is a place in Palestine, meaning remote house, possibly on the bank of Kidron. It is mentioned in the Bible as a location. The name describes its distant location.
Definition: Beth Ham-merchaq = "remote house" house or settlement on the bank of Kidron
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: place that was far off. See also: 2 Samuel 15:17.

Study Notes — 2 Samuel 15:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 3:1–2 O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah
2 Ecclesiastes 10:7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
3 Psalms 66:12 You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us into abundance.

2 Samuel 15:17 Summary

In this verse, King David is leaving his palace and his kingdom, and all his people are following him. This shows that King David has the loyalty and devotion of his people, and it also shows that he is willing to make difficult choices in times of crisis. This can be seen as an example of trusting in God's sovereignty, as King David is leaving his kingdom in God's hands, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, even in uncertain times, as promised in Isaiah 26:3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did King David stop at the last house?

The Bible does not explicitly state why King David stopped at the last house, but it may have been a strategic location to assess the situation and give final instructions to his servants, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:18 where his servants marched past him.

What can we learn from King David's decision to leave behind ten concubines to take care of the palace?

King David's decision to leave behind ten concubines may have been a practical decision to ensure the palace was taken care of, but it also shows that he was willing to make difficult choices in times of crisis, similar to when he entrusted his kingdom to God in Psalm 37:5.

How does this verse relate to the concept of trust in God's sovereignty?

This verse can be seen as an example of King David trusting in God's sovereignty, as he is willing to leave his palace and his kingdom, trusting that God will take care of him and his people, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.

What can we learn from the fact that all the people were following King David?

The fact that all the people were following King David shows the loyalty and devotion of his people, and it can be seen as an example of how leaders should inspire loyalty and devotion in their followers, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28 where Jesus teaches about servant leadership.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have had to make difficult choices, and how can I learn from King David's example?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty in my own life, even when things seem uncertain or out of control?
  3. What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty and devotion to my leaders, and how can I inspire loyalty and devotion in others?
  4. What can I learn from King David's willingness to leave behind his palace and his kingdom, and how can I apply that to my own life?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:17

And the king went forth,.... From Jerusalem; which is repeated, that it might be observed in what a hurry and fright he was: and all the people after him; his family, court, and servants, and as many

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:17

And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:17

Either to rest and refresh themselves a little; or rather, in expectation of others who should or would come after him, that they might march away in a considerable body, which might both defend the king, and invite others to come in to their assistance. A place that was far off; at some convenient distance, but not very far.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:17

2 Samuel 15:17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.Ver. 17. And tarried in a place that was far off.] Aloof from the city; and yet not very far off neither, as appeareth by that which followeth.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:17

(17) Tarried in a place that was far off.—Better, halted at the far house, i.e., at a definite place known by this name, probably the last house on the outskirts of the city before the road crossed the Kidron. Here David mustered his forces and made the arrangements for his flight.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:17

Verse 17. And tarried in a place] He probably waited till he saw all his friends safely out of the city.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:17

17. tarried in a place that was far off] Better, halted at the Far House: the last house on the outskirts of the city, before the road crossed the Kidron. It seems to be used almost as a proper name—Beth-merchak—for the locality. Here David halted, while his troops passed in review before him, and crossed the Kidron.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:17

17. A place that was far off — Literally, a house of the distance. A place outside of the city in the Kidron valley.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:17

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson Hindrances to Prevailing Prayer by David Wilkerson In this sermon, Pastor David encourages the congregation to seek God's touch and allow their lives to be changed. He emphasizes the importance of responding to the Holy Spirit's pr
David Guzik Peace in the Midst of the Storm by David Guzik In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 3, where David laments the increase of his enemies, including his own son Absalom. David is troubled by the lack of loyalty from those
Carl Armerding Psalm 32 by Carl Armerding In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges faced by believers in a hostile world. Despite the outnumbering of believers by their foes, the speaker assures that victory is
T. Austin-Sparks "The Lord Is With Him" (1 Samuel 16:18) by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of David's life as a man after God's own heart, highlighting six key attributes: his skill in worship, courage, warrior spirit, prudenc
Thomas Watson A Christian on Earth, Still in Heaven by Thomas Watson Thomas Watson preaches about the spiritual paradise found in the Scriptures, particularly in the book of Psalms, which offers both delight and usefulness to every Christian. He hig
Shane Idleman When the World Is Against You by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman addresses the challenges Christians face when the world seems to be against them, emphasizing the pressure from society, culture, and even fellow believers. He draws
Bob Hoekstra David Confessing the Lord as His God by Bob Hoekstra Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of living by grace, emphasizing the need to look to the Lord to work in and through our lives. Despite facing threats, attacks, and betrayal

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