Matthew Henry on 2 Samuel 15:24-30
Here we have, I. The fidelity of the priests and Levites and their firm adherence to David and his interest. They knew David's great affection to them and their office, notwithstanding his failings. The method Absalom took to gain people's affections made no impression upon them; he had little religion in him, and therefore they steadily adhered to David. Zadok and Abiathar, and all the Levites, if he go, will accompany him, and take the ark with them, that, by it, they may ask counsel of God for him, Sa2 15:24. Note, Those that are friends to the ark in their prosperity will find it a friend to them in their adversity. Formerly David would not rest till he had found a resting-place for the…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:24
Zadok also, and all the Levites . . ., bearing the ark--Knowing the strong religious feelings of the aged king, they brought it to accompany him in his distress. But as he could not doubt that both the ark and their sacred office would exempt them from the attacks of the rebels, he sent them back with it--not only that they might not be exposed to the perils of uncertain wandering, for he seems to place more confidence in the symbol of the divine presence than in God Himself--but that, by remaining in Jerusalem, they might render him greater service by watching the enemy's movements.
Adam Clarke on 2 Samuel 15:24
Bearing the ark - The priests knew that God had given the kingdom to David; they had no evidence that he had deposed him: they therefore chose to accompany him, and take the ark, the object of their charge, with them.
John Gill on 2 Samuel 15:24
And, lo, Zadok also,.... The priest, as he is called, 2 Samuel 15:27,
and all the Levites were with him: with Zadok, or with David, and indeed with both; but the former is rather meant here, being the immediate antecedent:
bearing the ark of the covenant of God: these were the Kohathite Levites, whose business it was to bear the ark when carried from place to place, Numbers 3:31; called the ark of the covenant, because the law which was the covenant between God and the people, was put into it:
and they set down the ark of God: from off their shoulders, on which they carried it:
and Abiathar went up; who was the high priest, and whose business it was to attend the ark, and inquire before…
