2 Samuel 15:16
French (La Bible expliquée)
Alors le roi et tous ses proches s'en allèrent à pied. Le roi ne laissa que dix de ses épouses de second rang pour occuper le palais. Informé des intentions de son fils, David prend une décision qui peut paraître étonnante. Il ne veut pas entrer en conflit avec son fils. Il préfère donc quitter la ville de Jérusalem afin d'épargner la ville, plutôt que d'écraser la rébellion naissante. David part avec sa garde personnelle, composée de mercenaires crétois et aussi de Pélétiens, à l'origine incertaine. Il n'est pas rare dans l'Orient ancien que la garde privée d'un roi soit formée de mercenaires étrangers. Au seul service du roi, ceux-ci n'intervenaient pas dans les querelles familiales et les compétitions politiques. Sadoc avait pensé bien faire en sortant le coffre sacré de Jérusalem pour accompagner David. Ce dernier refuse: Dieu assurera lui-même sa protection. Cette fuite fait penser à celle qu'il vécut au temps de Saül. C'est comme un pénitent que David quitte Jérusalem. La tête voilée (19.5) et les pieds nus sont deux signes de deuil. En réalité, Dieu n'a pas abandonné David. Il intervient en lui envoyant Houchaï, qui va espionner pour le compte de David. Houchaï retourne à Jérusalem comme agent double. Il va brouiller les cartes d'Ahitofel, qui donnera des conseils stupides à Absalom… lorsqu'il plaira au Seigneur d'en décider ainsi.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, King David leaves his palace, taking his household with him, but he leaves ten women, who are his concubines, behind to keep the house. The verse describes a situation where King David is on the move, possibly due to a threat or conflict.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your dad had to leave the house in a hurry because of a big problem, but he asked your sisters to stay home and take care of things while he's gone. That's kind of what King David did here, but with grown-up ladies who were part of his family.
Historical Background
The book of 2 Samuel was written by the prophet Nathan, the prophet Gad, and possibly Jeremiah, chronicling events during King David's reign, around 1000 BCE. This verse is set during a time of conflict and tension in David's kingdom, and it reflects the cultural norms of polygamy and household management of that era.
Living It Out Today
This verse can remind us about the importance of delegation and trust in leadership roles. For example, a CEO might need to travel for work and trusts certain team members to manage the office and handle important tasks.
Topics
leadershiptrustfamilyconflictroyaltydelegation
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King David leave his concubines behind?
King David likely left his concubines behind to manage the palace and keep things in order while he was away, possibly due to a conflict or threat he faced.
What does this verse tell us about the culture of King David's time?
This verse reflects the cultural practice of polygamy and the role of concubines in managing household affairs, which were common in ancient Near Eastern societies.
How does this verse relate to leadership in modern times?
The verse can be seen as an example of a leader delegating responsibilities and trusting others to manage important tasks in their absence.
Are there any other verses that provide context for this situation?
Yes, other parts of 2 Samuel provide the broader context of David's reign, including the rebellion led by his son Absalom, which is the backdrop for this verse.