2 Samuel 15:36
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The verse subtly highlights a crucial element of David's strategy: he's relying on intelligence brought by the sons of priests. This isn't just about sending messages; it's about entrusting vital, potentially life-saving information to those with established roles and trusted lineage within the religious order. Their presence signifies a deep trust and the integration of spiritual leadership with kingly counsel during a crisis.
Behold, their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son, and by them you shall send to me everything you hear.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is fleeing Jerusalem because his son Absalom has staged a rebellion, and he's just reached the other side of the Jordan River. He's essentially telling his loyal priests, Zadok and Abiathar, to stay behind in the city and act as his spies, sending him news through their sons who will be waiting for him. This sets up a tense situation where these young men risk their lives to gather intelligence for their king.
In times of crisis, who do you trust to deliver vital information? David, fleeing his own son, relies on two young men whose fathers were pillars of his reign.
Trust in Times of Treason
When Absalom's rebellion forced David to flee Jerusalem, the priests Zadok and Abiathar remained loyal. However, they sent their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, to stay near the city and act as David's eyes and ears. This wasn't just any messenger service; these were sons of the high priests, indicating a deep, personal trust placed in them.
They were tasked with gathering intelligence and relaying it back to David, essentially becoming David's secret service. Their mission was dangerous, as Absalom's supporters would have seen them as traitors if discovered.
David placed immense faith in the sons of his loyal priests. What does this say about the legacy of faith and the courage it can inspire?
A Legacy of Service
Zadok and Abiathar were David's most trusted spiritual advisors and constants. By sending their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, David was essentially leveraging the integrity and loyalty that the fathers had demonstrated over many years.
This wasn't just about young men running errands. It was about a baton pass of faithfulness. The sons, raised in households devoted to God and the king, were equipped with the courage and discretion needed for such a perilous task. Their willingness to serve underscores the deep-rooted loyalty within these priestly families.
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This moment highlights the incredible trust David placed in his loyal priests, Zadok and Abiathar, and their sons. Even in his darkest hour of exile, with his own son trying to usurp his throne, David relied on these men to be his eyes and ears, risking their lives to send him vital information.
c. 1010 BC
David becomes King of Israel
David is anointed king, uniting the tribes of Israel and establishing Jerusalem as his capital. This marks the beginning of a powerful and prosperous kingdom.
c. 1005 BC
David's Sin with Bathsheba
David commits adultery with Bathsheba and arranges for her husband Uriah to be killed. This event sows seeds of future discord and rebellion within his own family and kingdom.
c. 995 BC
Absalom's Rebellion Begins
David's son Absalom orchestrates a coup, gaining popularity and forcing David to flee Jerusalem. This is a devastating betrayal that shakes the kingdom to its core.
c. 995 BC— this verse
David Flees Jerusalem
David, heartbroken and outnumbered, abandons his capital city and crosses the Kidron Valley, heading east. He leaves behind loyal priests and a city ripe for occupation.
c. 995 BC
Absalom Enters Jerusalem
Absalom, supported by a large following, enters Jerusalem and takes possession of the royal palace, solidifying his claim to the throne.
c. 995 BC
Abiathar and Zadok Remain in Jerusalem
The high priests Abiathar and Zadok, along with their sons, are instructed by David to remain in the city, acting as his intelligence network.
This passage details the tragic consequences for the priests of Nob who aided David, highlighting the danger faced by those who supported him and were later targeted by Saul. It provides context for the high stakes involved when priests were implicated in aiding David.
2 Samuel 17:17-22This passage describes Ahimaaz and Jonathan actively relaying information to David during Absalom's rebellion, showing them in action as the messengers mentioned in 2 Samuel 15:36. It illustrates the courage and risk they undertook to keep David informed.
Joshua 18:1This verse marks the establishment of the tabernacle at Shiloh, a significant religious center where the Ark of the Covenant was housed for a long period. It connects to the role of priests and their spiritual significance, similar to Zadok and Abiathar's roles in David's time.
1 Kings 1:41-53This narrative shows Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet siding with Solomon, demonstrating their crucial role in royal succession and political stability. It further underscores the influence and importance of these priestly families in the kingdom.
The verse subtly highlights a crucial element of David's strategy: he's relying on intelligence brought by the sons of priests. This isn't just about sending messages; it's about entrusting vital, potentially life-saving information to those with established roles and trusted lineage within the religious order. Their presence signifies a deep trust and the integration of spiritual leadership with kingly counsel during a crisis.
David is fleeing Jerusalem because his son Absalom has staged a rebellion, and he's just reached the other side of the Jordan River. He's essentially telling his loyal priests, Zadok and Abiathar, to stay behind in the city and act as his spies, sending him news through their sons who will be waiting for him. This sets up a tense situation where these young men risk their lives to gather intelligence for their king.
David is fleeing Jerusalem because his son Absalom has staged a rebellion, and he's just reached the other side of the Jordan River. He's essentially telling his loyal priests, Zadok and Abiathar, to stay behind in the city and act as his spies, sending him news through their sons who will be waiting for him. This sets up a tense situation where these young men risk their lives to gather intelligence for their king.
"Behold, their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son, and by them you shall send to me everything you hear.”" — The verse subtly highlights a crucial element of David's strategy: he's relying on intelligence brought by the sons of priests. This isn't just about sending messages; it's about entrusting vital, po…
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Last reviewed October 2026
