2 Samuel 15:28

Authorized King James Version

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See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.

Original Language Analysis

רְאוּ֙ See H7200
רְאוּ֙ See
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 1 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אָֽנֹכִ֣י H595
אָֽנֹכִ֣י
Strong's: H595
Word #: 2 of 11
i
מִתְמַהְמֵ֔הַּ I will tarry H4102
מִתְמַהְמֵ֔הַּ I will tarry
Strong's: H4102
Word #: 3 of 11
properly, to question or hesitate, i.e., (by implication) to be reluctant
בְּעַֽבְר֖וֹת H5679
בְּעַֽבְר֖וֹת
Strong's: H5679
Word #: 4 of 11
a crossing-place
הַמִּדְבָּ֑ר of the wilderness H4057
הַמִּדְבָּ֑ר of the wilderness
Strong's: H4057
Word #: 5 of 11
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
עַ֣ד H5704
עַ֣ד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 6 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
בּ֥וֹא until there come H935
בּ֥וֹא until there come
Strong's: H935
Word #: 7 of 11
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
דָבָ֛ר word H1697
דָבָ֛ר word
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 8 of 11
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
מֵֽעִמָּכֶ֖ם H5973
מֵֽעִמָּכֶ֖ם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 9 of 11
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
לְהַגִּ֥יד from you to certify H5046
לְהַגִּ֥יד from you to certify
Strong's: H5046
Word #: 10 of 11
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
לִֽי׃ H0
לִֽי׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 11 of 11

Analysis & Commentary

See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.

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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