Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary

Adam Clarke Commentary

Then thou shalt be a burden unto me - It appears that Hushai was not a warrior, but was a wise, prudent, and discreet man, who could well serve David by gaining him intelligence of Absalom's conspiracy; and he directs him to form a strict confederacy with the priests Zadok and Abiathar, and to make use of their sons as couriers between Jerusalem and David's place of retreat.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

Unto whom David said,.... After he had heard what he had to say, and what tidings he brought:

and if thou passest on with me; in his march and flight:

then thou shalt be a burden to me; being to be maintained by him; and David having but scanty provisions, and so could not receive useless persons, as Hushai might be, perhaps an old man, that could be of no service to him, and unfit for travelling, and so would rather be an hinderance than an help unto him.

John Trapp Complete Commentary

2 Samuel 15:33 Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:

Ver. 33. Thou shalt be a burden unto me.] For at this time David was, as Henry king of Navarre was wont to say of himself, a king without a kingdom, a husband without a wife, and a soldier without money.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Increasing my charge, and care, and sorrow for what may befall thee, and being but of little use to me: for it may seem he was an old man, and fitter for counsel than for war.

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

33.A burden — From which we infer that Hushai was now an old man Compare 2 Samuel 19:35.

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments

2 Samuel 15:33. If thou passest on with me, thou shalt be a burden, &c. — For he was not provided, it seems, with sufficient support for his own family; and Hushai, though famous as a counsellor in the cabinet, being unpractised in the camp, and no soldier, could not be so useful to him in the army as he might be at court. David therefore, conceives the idea of employing him in endeavouring to defeat or render abortive the counsel of Ahithophel.

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary

CHAPTER XV.

To me, as he was perhaps advanced in years, though very prudent. (Menochius)

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

then thou

19:35