2 Samuel 15:19 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

Return to thy place; either, first, To thy native country of Gath, where thou wilt be remote from our broils. Or, secondly, To Jerusalem, where thy settled abode now is. And abide, or, or abide; for he could not both go to Gath, and tarry in Jerusalem with Absalom. Although this part of the verse lies otherwise in the Hebrew text, and may be rendered thus, Return (to wit, to Jerusalem) and abide with the king (there); for thou art a stranger and exile from thy own place; or, in respect of thy own place, or, as concerning thy place, i. e. in regard of the place of thy birth and former habitation. With the king; with Absalom, who is now made king by the choice of the people, and therefore is able to give thee that protection and encouragement which thou deservest; whereas I am in a manner deposed, and unable to do for thee what I desired and intended. A stranger, and also an exile; not much concerned in our affairs, and therefore not fit to be involved in our troubles.

2 Samuel 15:19

19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.