2 samuel 15:30 - David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered, and went barefoot: and all the people who were with him each covered his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 15:30

What does "2 samuel 15:30" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 15:30 describes David's reaction to the rebellion of his son, Absalom. Let's break down the meaning of each part:

"David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives...": David is fleeing Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives is a prominent hill just east of the city. This suggests a deliberate departure, a retreat from the seat of power.

"...and wept as he went up...": This shows profound sorrow. David is not just leaving his palace; he's leaving his kingdom and dealing with the betrayal of his own son. His grief is overwhelming.

"...and he had his head covered, and went barefoot...": These are traditional signs of mourning and humility in ancient Israel. Covering the head symbolizes shame, grief, and a desire to hide from God or man. Going barefoot signifies a loss of status and comfort, emphasizing vulnerability and repentance.

"...and all the people who were with him each covered his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.": David's loyal followers share his sorrow and adopt the same signs of mourning. This highlights the deep connection between David and his people and their shared distress over the kingdom's upheaval. Their actions demonstrate solidarity with their king and a collective sense of loss and uncertainty about the future.

In summary, the verse depicts a scene of intense grief, humility, and uncertainty. It reveals David's pain over Absalom's betrayal and the kingdom's division. The outward expressions of mourning (weeping, covered heads, bare feet) are powerful symbols of the distress experienced by David and his loyal supporters as they are forced to abandon Jerusalem.

The verse sets the stage for the tumultuous events that will follow as David navigates this rebellion and tries to reclaim his throne. It's also a reminder of the emotional toll of leadership and the devastating consequences of family conflict.