2 Samuel 15:26

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

וְאִם֙ H518
וְאִם֙
Strong's: H518
Word #: 1 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
כֹּ֣ה H3541
כֹּ֣ה
Strong's: H3541
Word #: 2 of 12
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
יֹאמַ֔ר But if he thus say H559
יֹאמַ֔ר But if he thus say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 3 of 12
to say (used with great latitude)
לֹ֥א H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 4 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָפַ֖צְתִּי I have no delight H2654
חָפַ֖צְתִּי I have no delight
Strong's: H2654
Word #: 5 of 12
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
בָּ֑ךְ H0
בָּ֑ךְ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 6 of 12
הִנְנִ֕י H2005
הִנְנִ֕י
Strong's: H2005
Word #: 7 of 12
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
יַֽעֲשֶׂה in thee behold here am I let him do H6213
יַֽעֲשֶׂה in thee behold here am I let him do
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 8 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לִּ֕י H0
לִּ֕י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 9 of 12
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 10 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
ט֖וֹב good H2896
ט֖וֹב good
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 11 of 12
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
בְּעֵינָֽיו׃ to me as seemeth H5869
בְּעֵינָֽיו׃ to me as seemeth
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 12 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis & Commentary

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.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Rebellion, emphasizing betrayal, trusting God in exile. Absalom's conspiracy demonstrates calculating betrayal and political manipulation. David's flight from Jerusalem parallels later exile experiences, developing themes of trusting God during devastating reversals. The Hebrew emphasizes Absalom's patient, methodical undermining of David's authority. Cross-references to Psalms written during this period (Psalms 3, 63) reveal David's spiritual responses to political catastrophe.

Historical Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 15 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding betrayal, trusting God in exile provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

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