2 samuel 15:32 - When David had come to the top, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn, and earth on his head.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 15:32

What does "2 samuel 15:32" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 15:32 describes a pivotal moment in David's escape from his rebellious son, Absalom. Let's break it down:

"When David had come to the top, where God was worshiped...": This indicates David has reached a high point overlooking Jerusalem, likely a traditional place of worship. This emphasizes David's vulnerable position and his reliance on God during this crisis.

"...behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him...": Hushai is identified as "the Archite," meaning he was from the clan of Archites, a group loyal to David. His arrival is significant because Hushai was one of David's trusted advisors.

"...with his coat torn, and earth on his head.": This is a powerful visual depiction of grief, mourning, and distress. Tearing one's clothing and putting dirt on one's head were common expressions of deep sorrow and lament in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Hushai is showing his sympathy for David's plight and solidarity with him in his distress. It's also a public display of loyalty, signalling to others where he stands amidst the rebellion.

In summary, the verse shows:

David's Vulnerability: He is fleeing his own son and is seeking divine help.
Hushai's Loyalty: Despite the dangerous situation, Hushai is there to support David.
Public Mourning: Hushai's actions demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and the pain it is causing David's loyal followers.

Significance in the Narrative:

This encounter is crucial because David is about to assign Hushai a very important task. David realizes he can't fight Absalom directly with the forces he has. Instead, he asks Hushai to return to Jerusalem, pretend to support Absalom, and undermine Absalom's advisor, Ahithophel. This will delay Absalom's attack and give David time to organize his loyal forces. Hushai's visible grief and loyalty make his feigned allegiance to Absalom more believable and pave the way for him to execute David's plan.

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