2 Samuel 15:23
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.
2 Samuel 15:23 · King James Version
Meaning
When King David's son Absalom rebelled against him, David was forced to flee Jerusalem in order to avoid a violent confrontation. The passage over the brook Kidron symbolizes a moment of great sorrow and tragedy for both King David and the people of Israel. The loud weeping of the country and the passing over of the king and his people indicate the deep emotional pain and turmoil they were experiencing during this difficult time. The brook Kidron holds symbolic significance as a place of mourning and separation, where David's heart was heavy with grief over the betrayal of his son and the division within his own kingdom. The direction toward the wilderness suggests a journey into the unknown, a path fraught with uncertainty and challenges as they navigate the turbulent waters of political upheaval and familial discord. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and the devastation it can bring to individuals and nations alike.
Theological Overview
In the theological interpretation of the verse, the act of weeping symbolizes the deep sorrow and mourning of the people as they face a moment of great significance. The passing over the brook Kidron holds spiritual significance as well, as Kidron is often associated with the idea of judgment or separation in the Bible. The fact that the king himself passed over the brook Kidron emphasizes his humility and solidarity with his people, as he joins them on their journey towards the way of the wilderness. This act can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice Christ would make when he crossed over the brook Kidron on his way to the cross. Overall, this verse highlights themes of mourning, unity, leadership, and the journey towards spiritual transformation.
2 Samuel 15:23 in other translations
American Standard Version
And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.
World English Bible
All the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.
Douay-Rheims
And they all wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself went over the brook Cedron, and all the people marched towards the way that looketh to the desert.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And all the countrey wept with a loude voyce, and all the people went forward, but the King passed ouer the brooke Kidron: and all the people went ouer toward the way of ye wildernes.