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2 Samuel 15:17

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 15:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak.
2 Samuel 15:17 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for else none of us shall escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
15And the king`s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall choose.
16And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, that were concubines, to keep the house.
17And the king went forth, and all the people after him; and they tarried in Beth-merhak.
18And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men that came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
19Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return, and abide with the king: for thou art a foreigner, and also an exile; [return] to thine own place.
20Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us, seeing I go whither I may? return thou, and take back thy brethren; mercy and truth be with thee.
← 2 Samuel 15:162 Samuel 15:18 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the king went forth, etc.] 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 of the people of Jerusalem as chose to go with him: and tarried at a place that was afar off; when they had got at some distance from the city, they stopped and stayed a while; it could not be a great way from it, for they had not as yet passed over the brook Kidron, (<101523>2 Samuel 15:23).”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Far off - At some convenient distance, tho' not very far. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 15:18”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“went forth: Psa 3:1 \*title Psa 3:2, Psa 66:12; Ecc 10:7 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 15:18”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“When outside the city the king and all the people in his suite (i.e., the royal family and their servants) halted at "the house of the distance." המּרחק is probably a proper name given to a house in the neighbourhood of the city and on the road to Jericho, which was called "the farthest house," viz., from the city. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 15:18”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification