2 samuel 15:17 - The king went out, and all the people after him; and they stayed in Beth Merhak.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 15:17

What does "2 samuel 15:17" mean?


2 Samuel 15:17 is part of the larger narrative about Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Understanding the verse requires context from the surrounding verses. Here's a breakdown:

"The king went out...": This refers to King David fleeing Jerusalem. He's being forced to leave because his son, Absalom, is leading a popular uprising to seize the throne.

"...and all the people after him...": Many people in Jerusalem, loyal to David, are joining him in his flight. This isn't everyone in the city, but a significant number.

"...and they stayed in Beth Merhak.": "Beth Merhak" likely refers to a place or a specific dwelling area (Beth = house, dwelling place) that was located outside the city limits of Jerusalem.

Therefore, the verse describes a pivotal moment in the story:

David, recognizing the danger of remaining in Jerusalem, leads his loyal followers out of the city. They pause or stop at Beth Merhak. This could have served as:

A gathering point: They may have used it to organize themselves before proceeding on their journey.
A place to take stock: David might have paused there to assess the situation and plan his next move.
A final point of departure: It's a point where they definitively leave the safety and familiarity of Jerusalem behind, entering an uncertain period of exile and struggle.

The location "Beth Merhak" itself is somewhat obscure. Its precise location and significance are not definitively known from other biblical texts. However, the verse clearly marks a turning point in David's reign and the start of his exile.

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