2 Samuel 12:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The elders of his house try to lift David from the ground, but he refuses and will not eat.
What Does 2 Samuel 12:17 Mean?
David's servants and the elders of his household try to raise him, to coax him back to food and rest. But he will not be moved; he refuses bread and stays on the ground. His grief is total, undivided.
There is something instructive in this single-mindedness. While hope remained, David held nothing back, not comfort, not appetite, not dignity. He gave his whole self to the asking. Faith in extremity does not measure itself; it pours out everything before God and waits. The elders cannot lift him because his heart is fixed on One higher than their counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 12:17
What does 2 Samuel 12:17 mean?
The elders of his house try to lift David from the ground, but he refuses and will not eat.