2 Samuel 15:26
But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This isn't just David resigned to his fate; it's a radical declaration of trust. He's essentially saying, "Even if God Himself rejects me and brings the worst upon me, I'll accept it." This highlights an incredible level of surrender, choosing to believe in God's ultimate goodness even when facing profound hardship.
King David is fleeing Jerusalem as his son Absalom wages a rebellion, and he's telling the Ark of the Covenant to be taken back to the city. He declares that if God is done with him and has no further purpose for him, then David will accept whatever fate God brings, showing a deep trust even amidst his deepest distress. This comes right after David has instructed the priests Zadok and Abiathar to carry the Ark back, but before he actually flees over the Mount of Olives.
David's life was full of dramatic turns, but this moment shows a profound trust. Even when facing the unthinkable, he echoes a deeper truth about God's ultimate control.
When David says, 'let him do to me what seems good to him,' he's not just resigned; he's declaring his faith in God's perfect justice and sovereignty. This isn't about passive acceptance of bad things, but an active trust that God, even through difficult circumstances or the actions of flawed people, is working out a plan that is ultimately good and righteous.
Think about it:
David is saying these words to his own people, even as his own son, Absalom, is leading a rebellion against him. This verse holds layers of personal pain and divine grace.
This statement from David is poignant because he's speaking to the priests who represent the Ark of the Covenant. He's telling them that if God has truly turned against him, if his reign is over because of God's judgment, then they should take the Ark back to Jerusalem and let God deal with him directly. It's a heartbreaking moment where:
Understand the original words
chephets · Hebrew Noun
A state of satisfaction, delight, or favorable inclination toward something or someone. In a biblical context, it often refers to God’s sovereign choice or favor.
David's willingness to submit to God's judgment, even through the rebellion of his own son, highlights his deep understanding that ultimate authority rests with God, not with human lineage or power.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of Israel
After a period of conflict and consolidation, David is established as the sole king over all the tribes of Israel, ushering in a united monarchy.
c. 1005 BC
David Commits Adultery with Bathsheba
David commits adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrates the death of her husband, Uriah the Hittite, a profound moral failing that brings severe consequences.
c. 1004 BC
Nathan Confronts David
The prophet Nathan confronts David with his sin, leading David to repentance, but the consequences for his family and kingdom are declared.
c. 995 BC
Amnon Rapes Tamar
David's eldest son, Amnon, rapes his half-sister Tamar. This event sparks a deep rift within the royal family.
c. 994 BC
This verse echoes Samuel's response to Saul's disobedience, highlighting submission to God's will even when it's difficult or leads to judgment.
Job 1:21Like Job, who blesses the name of the Lord in profound loss, David here expresses ultimate surrender to God's sovereignty, accepting whatever comes his way.
Luke 22:42Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, 'Not my will, but yours be done,' is a perfect parallel to David's attitude, showing the Son's perfect submission to the Father's will, even unto death.
Romans 9:20Paul uses the imagery of the potter and clay to speak about God's sovereign right to do as He pleases, which resonates with David's complete yielding of himself to God's actions.
This isn't just David resigned to his fate; it's a radical declaration of trust. He's essentially saying, "Even if God Himself rejects me and brings the worst upon me, I'll accept it." This highlights an incredible level of surrender, choosing to believe in God's ultimate goodness even when facing profound hardship.
King David is fleeing Jerusalem as his son Absalom wages a rebellion, and he's telling the Ark of the Covenant to be taken back to the city. He declares that if God is done with him and has no further purpose for him, then David will accept whatever fate God brings, showing a deep trust even amidst his deepest distress. This comes right after David has instructed the priests Zadok and Abiathar to carry the Ark back, but before he actually flees over the Mount of Olives.
King David is fleeing Jerusalem as his son Absalom wages a rebellion, and he's telling the Ark of the Covenant to be taken back to the city. He declares that if God is done with him and has no further purpose for him, then David will accept whatever fate God brings, showing a deep trust even amidst his deepest distress. This comes right after David has instructed the priests Zadok and Abiathar to carry the Ark back, but before he actually flees over the Mount of Olives.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Samuel 15:26 is available in the Sola app.
Absalom Murders Amnon
Absalom, Tamar's full brother, avenges her honor by murdering Amnon. He then flees into exile, creating further division.
c. 990 BC— this verse
Absalom's Rebellion Begins
After being allowed to return to Jerusalem but not his father's presence, Absalom begins a calculated and popular rebellion against David's rule.
c. 990 BC
David Flees Jerusalem
Faced with Absalom's growing power and the defection of many Israelites, David is forced to flee Jerusalem with his loyal followers, heading east across the Jordan.
"But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.”" — This isn't just David resigned to his fate; it's a radical declaration of trust. He's essentially saying, "Even if God Himself rejects me and brings the worst upon me, I'll accept it." This highlight…
