2 Samuel 15:17The king went forth, and all the people after him; and they stayed in Beth Merhak.
The setting
Beth Merhak (meaning 'far house'), ~1000 BC. A small settlement outside Jerusalem where David's caravan of refugees makes their first stop after fleeing the capital.
The emotion here: documenting the methodical retreat of a wise king in crisis
The original word
ʿāmad (עָמַד) — to take a stand, to establish position; implies this was planned temporary shelter, not panic
Why it matters
Beth Merhak was likely a way station about a day's journey from Jerusalem, showing David's military mind even in crisis
Read with care
What most readers miss in 2 Samuel 15:17
David stopped strategically to regroup, not randomly - even in exile, he was thinking like a general
Common misconceptionThis sounds like panicked flight, but David was actually regrouping strategically. 'Stayed' implies he set up a temporary command center to assess his options.
The thread continues
Verses that echo 2 Samuel 15:17
Bible Genome reading
2 Samuel 15:17 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
2 Samuel 15:17 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 starting, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include journey, following. Notable phrases: they stayed in Beth Merhak.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same starting
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— Genesis 1:1
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— Genesis 1:3
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and t…”
— Acts 1:8
“Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receiv…”
— Acts 2:38
Your reflection
What does 2 Samuel 15:17 mean to you, today?
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