Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 15:37
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Hushai was a friend of King David and an Archite, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 15:32. He was also the father of Baana, an officer of Solomon. His name means hastening.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.15.32; father of: Baana (H1195H) § Hushai = "hasting" 1) an Archite, a friend of David 2) the father of Baana, an officer of Solomon; probably the same as 1
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Hushai. See also: 2 Samuel 15:32; 2 Samuel 17:6; 1 Chronicles 27:33.
In the Bible, a friend is a male companion, like a buddy or a close associate, as seen in the stories of King David and his friends. This word is used to describe a strong bond between men. It appears in various books, including the historical accounts of the kings of Israel.
Definition: friend, friend of the king (technical sense)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: friend. See also: 2 Samuel 15:37; 1 Kings 4:5; Proverbs 27:10.
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
Context — David Weeps at the Mount of Olives
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
2 Samuel 16:15–16 |
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” |
| 2 |
1 Chronicles 27:33 |
Ahithophel was the king’s counselor. Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. |
2 Samuel 15:37 Summary
This verse tells us that Hushai, a friend of David, arrived in Jerusalem at the same time that Absalom, David's son, was entering the city. This is a significant moment because it sets the stage for the events that will unfold, and it shows us the importance of having loyal friends, as seen in Proverbs 17:17 and 2 Samuel 15:32-37. Just like Hushai, we can be a source of support and encouragement to those around us, and we can trust in God's perfect timing, as mentioned in Psalm 31:15 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. By being faithful friends and trusting in God, we can navigate difficult situations and come out stronger on the other side, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hushai and why is he important in this verse?
Hushai is a friend of David, and his arrival in Jerusalem is significant because he is about to play a crucial role in David's life, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:32-37, and will later help to thwart the plans of Absalom, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 17:1-16.
What is the significance of Absalom entering the city?
Absalom's entry into Jerusalem signifies the fulfillment of his rebellion against his father, David, and marks a turning point in their relationship, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:1-12, and will lead to further conflict and eventual judgment, as prophesied in 2 Samuel 12:10-12.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the chapter, as it sets the stage for the interactions between Hushai, Absalom, and the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, and their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 15:35-36, and will have a significant impact on the events that unfold in 2 Samuel 15:30-37 and beyond.
What can we learn from David's relationship with Hushai?
David's friendship with Hushai demonstrates the importance of having loyal and trustworthy friends, as seen in Proverbs 27:6, and highlights the value of cultivating relationships that can provide support and guidance in times of need, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 15:32-37 and 1 Samuel 23:16-18.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the nature of loyalty and friendship, and how can we apply this to our own relationships?
- How does Absalom's rebellion against David reflect the human tendency to rebel against authority, and what can we learn from this example?
- What role does timing play in this verse, and how can we trust in God's perfect timing in our own lives, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and Psalm 31:15?
- In what ways can we, like Hushai, be a source of support and encouragement to those around us, especially in times of need, as mentioned in Galatians 6:2 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:37
So Hushai David's friend came into the city,.... The city of Jerusalem, by the direction and persuasion of David, and in obedience to him, in order to serve him to the uttermost: and Absalom came
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:37
2 Samuel 15:37 So Hushai David’ s friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem. Ver. 37. So Hushai David’ s friend.] This was honos aulicus proper to Hushai: but such honour have all the saints.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:37
Verse 37. Absalom came into Jerusalem.] It is very probable that he and his partisans were not far from the city when David left it, and this was one reason which caused him to hurry his departure. READER, behold in the case of David a sad vicissitude of human affairs, and a fearful proof of their instability. Behold a king, the greatest that ever lived, a profound politician, an able general, a brave soldier, a poet of the most sublime genius and character, a prophet of the Most High God, and the deliverer of his country, driven from his dominions by his own son, abandoned by his fickle people, and for a time even by his God! See in his desolate state that there is none so exalted that God cannot abase, and none so abased that God cannot exalt. He was forsaken for a time, and his enemies triumphed; God returned, and his enemies were confounded. His crime, it is true, was great and God had declared by Nathan what had now come to pass. God is just, and in numberless instances sees right to show his displeasure even at those sins which his mercy has forgiven. In all cases it is a fearful and bitter thing to sin against the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 15:37
37. David’s friend] “The king’s friend” was a regular state-officer, the king’s confidential adviser. Cp. 1 Chronicles 27:33 (E. V., companion); 1 Kings 4:5.