2 Samuel 15:26
ESV
But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him."
NIV
But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him."
NASB
But if He says this: ‘I have no delight in you,’ then here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.'
CSB
However, if he should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am—he can do with me whatever pleases him."
NLT
But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.'
KJV
But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
NKJV
But if He says thus: ‘I have no delight in you,’ here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.”
What does 2 Samuel 15:26 mean?
This is a profound statement of humility and dependence on God. David stopped the priests of Israel from bringing the ark of God (Exodus 25:10; 2 Samuel 6:12) as they flee from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:26). The priests may want to keep Absalom away from the ark, but they probably believe that having God's presence nearby will protect and empower David. David says no. First, the king understands that the ark of God doesn't need protecting. Its mere presence destroyed a Philistine idol (1 Samuel 5:1–5). Second, he knows that God's ability to protect him and bring him back to Jerusalem isn't limited by how close he stands to the ark. David's understanding of God's great power is far greater than that of even the priests.That doesn't mean David presumes God will save him from Absalom. He doesn't claim to know God's plan for his own life. He says that if the Lord favors him, the Lord will bring him back to Jerusalem, where he will see the ark again. Now he adds that he's fully willing for the Lord to do whatever He wants against David if God has no pleasure in him. David knows he doesn't deserve God's favor, and he won't demand it. David will not reject the Lord even if the Lord chooses to reject him.
During his own great suffering, Job said something equally humble and profound: "Though he slay me, I will hope in him" (Job 13:15). That's a declaration of ultimate faith. David's assurance is based on what he knows about God's character, but it's also based on his own past. Absalom's revolt is God's judgment on David for his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Samuel 12:10–11). David will take his punishment humbly, knowing he deserves far worse.
That perspective doesn't make David passive in the face of Absalom's rebellion. Nor does it mean the priests have no role to play. As a seer, Zadok has a unique opportunity to ask God to reveal Absalom's plans. And the priests' sons will make excellent messengers. Even in Jerusalem, the priests can serve their true king (2 Samuel 15:27–29).
