2 Samuel 16:22

The Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai · 2 Samuel 16:15–23
Read 2 Samuel 16

Translations

Modern
So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.
Traditional
So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.
Literal
And they pitched for Absalom a tent on the roof, and Absalom went in to the concubines of his father before the eyes of all Israel.
Latin
Tetenderunt ergo Absalom tabernaculum in solario, ingressusque est ad concubinas patris sui coram universo Israël.

Original

Hebrew
English
So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.

Notes

Absalom wanted to show the people he had taken the throne and its royal powers. His disgraceful act mirrored David’s affair with Bathsheba, which also started on that roof (2 Samuel 11:2–4). This event fulfilled Nathan’s prophecy (2 Samuel 12:11–12).

Theme notes and profiles

Absalom David

Events

People

Absalom: David's rebellious son who tried to usurp the throne Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Absalom Ahithophel David Gilead (Place) Hushai Kings, Books of First and Second Nathan Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Adultery: Absalom Ahithophel: Joins Absalom House: Architecture of Roofs, Flat Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Incest: Absalom Tents were Pitched: On the Tops of Houses