The king said also unto Zadok; either because Abiathar was gone from him, 2 Samuel 15:24, and not yet returned; or because David put more confidence in Zadok. A seer, i.e. either,
1. A prophet, for such were called seers, 1 Samuel 9:9 2 Samuel 24:11 Amos 7:12. And such he may be called, either because he really had the gift of prophecy or because as the name of prophets is sometimes given to those who had not prophetical gifts, but were only officers and minsters devoted to and employed in God's worship and service, as 1 Samuel 10:5, &c.; 1 Kings 18:4,13; compare 1 Chronicles 25:1-3; so it is reasonable that the name of seers be extended to the same latitude; and therefore he may properly and fitly be called a seer, as he was with and under Abiathar the chief governor of the house and worship of God; who, by his office, was to instruct and direct the people in those matters, whereby he had many opportunities both of sifting out Absalom's counsels, and of minding the people of their duty to David, as he saw opportunity: which sense suits well with David's scope and design. Or, 2. A seeing, or discerning, or observing man; for so the Hebrew verb raah is oft used. And this suits well with David's mind: Thou art a wise man, and therefore fit to manage this great business, which requires prudence and secrecy. In peace; as men of peace, giving over all thoughts of war, and devoting yourselves entirely to God's service.