2 Samuel 15:26 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him."

NIV: But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him."

NASB: But if He says this: ‘I have no delight in you,’ then here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.'

CSB: However, if he should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am—he can do with me whatever pleases him."

NLT: But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.'

KJV: But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

NKJV: But if He says thus: ‘I have no delight in you,’ here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.”

This is a profound statement of humility and dependence on God. David stopped the priests of Israel from bringing the ark of God (Exodus 25:10; 2 Samuel 6:12) as they flee from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:26). The priests may want to keep Absalom away from the ark, but they probably believe that having God's presence nearby will protect and empower David. David says no. First, the king understands that the ark of God doesn't need protecting. Its mere presence destroyed a Philistine idol (1 Samuel 5:1–5). Second, he knows that God's ability to protect him and bring him back to Jerusalem isn't limited by how close he stands to the ark. David's understanding of God's great power is far greater than that of even the priests.

That doesn't mean David presumes God will save him from Absalom. He doesn't claim to know God's plan for his own life. He says that if the Lord favors him, the Lord will bring him back to Jerusalem, where he will see the ark again. Now he adds that he's fully willing for the Lord to do whatever He wants against David if God has no pleasure in him. David knows he doesn't deserve God's favor, and he won't demand it. David will not reject the Lord even if the Lord chooses to reject him.

During his own great suffering, Job said something equally humble and profound: "Though he slay me, I will hope in him" (Job 13:15). That's a declaration of ultimate faith. David's assurance is based on what he knows about God's character, but it's also based on his own past. Absalom's revolt is God's judgment on David for his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 12:10–11). David will take his punishment humbly, knowing he deserves far worse.

That perspective doesn't make David passive in the face of Absalom's rebellion. Nor does it mean the priests have no role to play. As a seer, Zadok has a unique opportunity to ask God to reveal Absalom's plans. And the priests' sons will make excellent messengers. Even in Jerusalem, the priests can serve their true king (2 Samuel 15:27–29).

Second Samuel 15:24–29 explains how David recruits his priests as spies. Absalom, David's son, has won the hearts of the Israelites and declared himself king. He's approaching Jerusalem with his followers. As David flees the city, his household and three Philistine military units come with him (2 Samuel 15:1–23). But when the priests Abiathar and Zadok arrive with the ark of the covenant, David sends them back. The ark belongs to God, not him, and the priests are in a good position to influence and spy on Absalom. With the help of their sons and David's friend Hushai, they thwart Absalom's plans (2 Samuel 17).

God's curses against David continue (2 Samuel 12:10–12). David's son Absalom stages a coup. His followers declare him king and escort him to Jerusalem. David and those faithful to him flee the city for the wilderness. He leaves behind two priests, their sons, and an advisor to thwart Absalom's plans. As he travels, David willingly endures every humiliation, not knowing which are from God. Joab kills Absalom, and the kingdom is restored (2 Samuel 16—18). Absalom's betrayal is not recorded in 1 Chronicles.

Second Samuel 15 continues the fulfillment of God's curse on David. As he betrayed his friend Uriah, so someone from David's house will betray him (2 Samuel 12:11). David's son Absalom steals the people's hearts and declares himself king. David and his household flee the city, leaving behind ten concubines and five spies. The spies protect David until Joab can kill Absalom in battle. David is humbled and forgives his enemies (2 Samuel 16—19).