What does 2 Samuel 15:36 mean?
"Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear." - 2 Samuel 15:36

2 Samuel 15:36 (KJV) says, "Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear."
This verse comes from the Old Testament, specifically the book of 2 Samuel. It is part of a larger narrative that follows the story of David, the second king of Israel. In this particular passage, David is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has turned against him and seeks to take the throne. This verse occurs during a critical moment in the story, as David is making arrangements to stay informed about the situation in Jerusalem while he is in hiding.
The broader context of 2 Samuel 15 involves themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of sin. Absalom's rebellion against his father David is a result of David's own sin and internal strife within his family, namely his affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband Uriah. The repercussions of these actions ripple through David's family and kingdom, ultimately leading to internal conflict and rebellion.
In the midst of this turmoil, the verse 2 Samuel 15:36 provides a practical solution for David to stay informed about the situation in Jerusalem. By sending messengers, in this case, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, David can receive updates and maintain a degree of control over the events unfolding in his absence. This act reflects David's wisdom and strategic thinking, even as he grapples with the personal and political challenges he faces.
The symbolism of the messengers in this verse also carries thematic weight. Throughout the Bible, messengers often represent the means by which God's will is communicated to His people. In this specific context, the messengers Ahimaaz and Jonathan serve as a link between David and the events in Jerusalem, symbolizing the importance of remaining connected to God and seeking His guidance, even in times of chaos and uncertainty.
Furthermore, the mention of Ahimaaz and Jonathan by name underscores the significance of their role in the larger narrative. Both figures are portrayed as loyal and trustworthy individuals who are willing to serve David in his time of need. Their actions exemplify the themes of loyalty and faithfulness that permeate the story of David and his reign as king.
In a broader theological sense, this verse also speaks to the concept of divine providence. Despite the upheaval and strife that David faces, he is not abandoned or left to fend for himself. Instead, he is provided with a means of staying informed and maintaining a degree of control over the situation, even as he is in a state of exile. This serves as a reminder that God is ultimately in control, and His will can be accomplished even in the midst of chaos and turmoil.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 15:36 is a verse that encapsulates the larger themes and narrative of the book of 2 Samuel. It speaks to the practical challenges and strategic thinking of David as he navigates a time of profound crisis. It also carries deeper symbolic and theological significance, underscoring the themes of loyalty, divine providence, and the means by which God communicates with His people. This verse reminds readers of the importance of remaining connected to God and seeking His guidance, even in the most tumultuous of times.
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2 Samuel 15:36 - "Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear."
"Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear." - 2 Samuel 15:36
2 Samuel 23:36 - "Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,"
2 Samuel 3:36 - "And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them: as whatsoever the king did pleased all the people."
2 Samuel 22:36 - "Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great."
2 Samuel 19:36 - "Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?"
2 Kings 15:36 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
"Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite," - 2 Samuel 23:36
2 Samuel 5:15 - "Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,"
2 Samuel 2:15 - "Then there arose and went over by number twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David."
2 Samuel 15:15 - "And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint."
2 Samuel 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 15:13 - "¶ And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom."
2 Samuel 15:37 - "So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 15:29 - "Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there."
2 Samuel 22:15 - "And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them."
2 Chronicles 36:15 - "And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:"
2 Samuel 10:15 - "¶ And when the Syrians saw that they were smitten before Israel, they gathered themselves together."
1 Corinthians 15:36
2 Samuel 13:36 - "And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king's sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore."
2 Samuel 15:17 - "And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off."
2 Samuel 15:9 - "And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron."
2 Samuel 18:15 - "And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him."
2 Samuel 6:15 - "So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet."
2 Samuel 15:33 - "Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:"
2 Samuel 15:28 - "See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me."
2 Samuel 3:15 - "And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish."
2 Samuel 15:1 - "And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him."
2 Samuel 8:15 - "And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people."
"Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia," - 2 Samuel 5:15