2 Samuel 15:16The king went forth, and all his household after him. The king left ten women, who were concubines, to keep the house.
The setting
Jerusalem palace, ~1000 BC. Dawn breaking as King David makes the agonizing decision to flee his own capital city. Ten concubines stay behind to maintain the royal household.
The emotion here: heavy-hearted at recording a king's desperate escape
The original word
yāṣāʾ (יָצָא) — to go out permanently, often used for major life departures or military campaigns
Why it matters
Leaving concubines behind was standard royal protocol to maintain claim to the throne, but it also exposed them to terrible danger
Read with care
What most readers miss in 2 Samuel 15:16
David's household included hundreds of people - this was like evacuating a small city in hours
Common misconceptionModern readers judge David for 'abandoning' the concubines, but leaving them actually protected his claim to return as rightful king. Taking them would have meant permanent exile.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 2 Samuel 15:16
Bible Genome reading
2 Samuel 15:16 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
2 Samuel 15:16 comes from the book of 2 Samuel, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include departure, abandonment. Notable phrases: king went forth.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does 2 Samuel 15:16 mean to you, today?
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