And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
So the king left the city, and his entire household followed him. But the king left ten women who were his concubines behind to take care of the palace.
This verse describes King David fleeing Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion, leaving behind some of his household staff to maintain the palace.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel, King David was fleeing Jerusalem because his son Absalom had launched a rebellion to take the throne, forcing David to abandon the city for his safety. As David departed, he took most of his household with him but left ten concubines behind to manage and protect the palace, reflecting the common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures where such women held roles in royal households. This decision highlights the pressures of leadership and family conflict during a time of political turmoil in Israel's history.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.