2 Samuel 16:19
ESV
And again, whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? As I have served your father, so I will serve you."
NIV
Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you."
NASB
Besides, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? Just as I have served in your father’s presence, so I shall be in your presence.'
CSB
Furthermore, whom will I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, I will also serve in yours."
NLT
And anyway, why shouldn’t I serve you? Just as I was your father’s adviser, now I will be your adviser!'
KJV
And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.
NKJV
Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father’s presence, so will I be in your presence.”
What does 2 Samuel 16:19 mean?
King David is on the run with his servants and at least several hundred soldiers (2 Samuel 15:13, 18). His throne-seeking son, Absalom, has entered Jerusalem. He's smart enough to know he doesn't know what to do next. Fortunately for him, David's advisor Ahithophel has agreed to transfer his loyalties (2 Samuel 16:15).Absalom is prepared to heavily rely on Ahithophel's counsel, but the arrival of Hushai confuses him. The old man is wise, but he's also David's close friend. Absalom asks him why he didn't leave with David. Hushai explains, "No, for whom the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel have chosen, his I will be, and with him I will remain" (2 Samuel 16:18). If God and the people want Absalom to be king, he will serve Absalom. Again, he explains that he serves the crown, not the man.
But these words aren't original to Hushai. He had wanted to join David. He had met David on the Mount of Olives, completely dressed for mourning. David wouldn't take him. First, David pointed out that Hushai's age would force the people to slow down, making them even more vulnerable to Absalom's army. Second, Hushai could serve David better by staying. If he could infiltrate Absalom's council, he could counter Ahithophel's advice. David tells him to say that as he once served David, now he will serve David's son (2 Samuel 15:32–34).
Absalom begins by listening to Ahithophel. The traitor tells Absalom to sleep with David's concubines on David's rooftop so all Jerusalem will know He has supplanted his father (2 Samuel 16:20–23). Then, Ahithophel asks for 12,000 soldiers to hunt David and his people before they can recover from their trek (2 Samuel 17:1–3).
Absalom thinks it's a good idea, but first he asks Hushai. Hushai points out that David and his warriors are highly trained, experienced, and furious. Therefore, Absalom needs a bigger army, so he should send word to the tribes to amass men. Absalom agrees. While they wait, Hushai tells the priests to get a message to David: Absalom is coming; cross the river to safety. David does, and his people are saved (2 Samuel 17:5–22).
