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2 Samuel 15:34

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 15:34 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father`s servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant; then wilt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father`s servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant; then wilt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.
2 Samuel 15:34 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 15

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
31And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Jehovah, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
32And it came to pass, that, when David was come to the top [of the ascent], where God was worshipped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head.
33And David said unto him, If thou passest on with me, then thou wilt be a burden unto me:
34but if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father`s servant in time past, so will I now be thy servant; then wilt thou defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.
35And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king`s house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
36Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok`s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar`s son; and by them ye shall send unto me everything that ye shall hear.
37So Hushai, David`s friend, came into the city; and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
← 2 Samuel 15:332 Samuel 15:35 →
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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
“But if thou return to the city, etc.] To the city of Jerusalem, from whence it seems he came: and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as he was by usurpation, and by the proclamation of the people with him. David directs him to address him thus, that he might have no suspicion of him, having been an old friend of his: [as] I [have been] thy father’s servant hitherto; perhaps in the character of a counsellor, as it should seem, since as such he was afterwards employed by Absalom: so [will] I now also [be] thy servant; in whatsoever thou shall please to employ me under thee: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel; for being taken into Absalom’s service, and made…”
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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
“And say - That is, as faithful to thee, as I have been to thy father. David's suggesting this crafty counsel must be reckoned amongst his sins. Nevertheless God was pleased to direct this evil advice to a good end. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 15:36”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“15:34 While David was confident that God’s providence was at work behind the scenes, he also took strategic action to further his own cause.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“return: Sa2 15:20; Jos 8:2; Mat 10:16 as I have been: Sa2 16:16-19 then mayest: Sa2 17:5-14 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 15:35”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Samuel 15 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification