What does 2 Samuel 16:21 mean?
"And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong." - 2 Samuel 16:21
2 Samuel 16:21 in the King James Version reads, "And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong."
This verse is part of the historical narrative found in the second book of Samuel which recounts the life and reign of King David. In this particular passage, King David is facing a rebellion from his son Absalom. As David flees from Jerusalem, he encounters various individuals, including Ahithophel, who has chosen to support Absalom in his rebellion.
To fully understand the meaning and commentary of 2 Samuel 16:21, it is important to consider the context in which this verse is situated. The rebellion of Absalom against his father David gives rise to a web of complex relationships and dynamics within the royal family and the wider political framework of ancient Israel. Absalom's ambitious desire to take the throne from his father leads to a series of events that test the loyalty and faith of those involved.
In this verse, Ahithophel advises Absalom to violate the concubines of his father King David in order to solidify his position as the new king. This act would not only demonstrate Absalom’s rejection of his father’s authority but would also symbolize his claim to the throne. Ahithophel believed that by carrying out this reprehensible act, Absalom would gain the support of the people and strengthen his position as the new ruler of Israel.
The verse reveals the depths of treachery and political maneuvering that take place during a time of civil unrest and instability. Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom ultimately reflects the moral and ethical deterioration that can occur in times of political upheaval. It also exposes the manipulative and ruthless nature of power struggles within a kingdom.
The themes presented in this verse resonate with broader themes found throughout the Bible, such as the corrupting nature of power, the consequences of rebellion and disobedience, and the enduring struggle between good and evil. The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive effects of ambition, pride, and the pursuit of power at any cost. It highlights the moral decay and depravity that can result from seeking to gain authority through unscrupulous means.
Symbolically, the violation of King David's concubines represents the ultimate insult and disregard for his authority and dignity. It signifies the desecration of the established order and the violation of sacred relationships. This act not only demonstrates Absalom's willingness to dishonor his father but also reflects the potential for moral collapse and the deterioration of societal norms in times of upheaval.
In conclusion, 2 Samuel 16:21 offers a profound commentary on the complexities of human nature, the consequences of political rebellion, and the ruthless pursuit of power. It provides a stark reminder of the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise in times of political turmoil and the inherent dangers of succumbing to ambition, pride, and treachery. Ultimately, the verse serves as a poignant reminder of the timeless truths and enduring relevance found within the historical narratives of the Bible.
Have questions about 2 Samuel 16:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Samuel 16:21 Artwork
2 Samuel 16:21 - "And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong."
"And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong." - 2 Samuel 16:21
2 Samuel 21:16 - "And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David."
1 Samuel 16:21 - "And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer."
2 Samuel 21:21 - "And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him."
2 samuel 23:8-21
2 Samuel 5:16 - "And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet."
Luke 2:16 - 21
2 Samuel 5:21 - "And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
2 Samuel 21:11 - "And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
2 Samuel 8:16 - "And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;"
"And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet." - 2 Samuel 5:16
2 Samuel 21:22 - "These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."
2 Samuel 16:15 - "¶ And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him."
2 Samuel 16:14 - "And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there."
2 Samuel 16:20 - "¶ Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do."
2 Samuel 16:16 - "And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king."
1 Samuel 16:2 - "And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD."
2 Samuel 16:12 - "It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day."
2 Samuel 22:21 - "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."
2 Samuel 19:21 - "But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?"
2 Samuel 21:18 - "And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant."
"And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer." - 1 Samuel 16:21
2 Samuel 16:17 - "And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?"
2 Chronicles 21:16 - "¶ Moreover the LORD stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near the Ethiopians:"
2 Samuel 21:13 - "And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged."
2 Samuel 12:16 - "David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth."
2 Samuel 21:7 - "But the king spared Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan the son of Saul, because of the LORD'S oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul."