2 Samuel 15:16 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

After him, or, on foot, by comparing 2 Samuel 15:30, which the king chose to do rather than to ride; partly, to humble himself under the hand of God; partly, to encourage his companions in this hard and comfortless march; and partly, to move compassion in his people towards him. The king left ten women; for he supposed that their sex would protect them even among barbarians, and their relation to David would gain them some respect, and, at least, safety from his son. But it seems he did not now actually consider that clause of the threatening concerning his wives, (God diverting his mind to other things,) or he thought that would be accomplished some other way, conceiving that Absalom would abhor the thoughts of such incestuous converse, especially with persons which were now grown in years.

2 Samuel 15:16

16 And the king went forth, and all his household afterd him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.