2Sa 15:25 | TNotes | STEP | 15:25 take the Ark of God back: People fleeing invasion normally took their idols to avoid having the items fall into an enemy’s hands. The capture of a god could be interpreted by rebel elements to mean that the gods had abandoned the ruling dynasty. However, the Ark was not a mere idol or talisman (cp. 1 Sam 4:3-11 ; 5:6–6:9 ). It was the central object in the sanctuary and represented the presence of the Lord, the God of Israel (see Exod 40:34-35 ). David intentionally permitted the Ark to fall into Absalom’s hands, trusting God’s grace and promises (2 Sam 15:26 ; see 7:8-16 ) whether or not the Ark was with him.

b1 Sam 4:3-11►

c5:6–6:9►

dExod 40:34-35►

e2 Sam 15:26►

f7:8-16►

‏ 2 Samuel 15:25

15:25 ^a take the Ark of God back: People fleeing invasion normally took their idols to avoid having the items fall into an enemy’s hands. The capture of a god could be interpreted by rebel elements to mean that the gods had abandoned the ruling dynasty. However, the Ark was not a mere idol or talisman (cp. 1 Sam 4:3-11 ^b; 5:6–6:9 ^c). It was the central object in the sanctuary and represented the presence of the Lord, the God of Israel (see Exod 40:34-35 ^d). David intentionally permitted the Ark to fall into Absalom’s hands, trusting God’s grace and promises (2 Sam 15:26 ^e; see 7:8-16 ^f) whether or not the Ark was with him.