2 Samuel 15:16

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Le roi sortit, et toute sa maison le suivait, et il laissa dix concubines pour garder la maison.

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

• leadership
• trust
• family
• conflict
• royalty
• delegation

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 27:3
• 2 Samuel 3:7
• 1 Kings 11:3
• 1 Corinthians 7:2-4
• Hebrews 13:7

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.