Day 139 – 2 Samuel 15:1-12

Scripture Review

2 Samuel 15:1-12

"And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him."

(2 Samuel 15:1)

Absalom prepares a public display. He is making himself look royal again before the people. He comes with chariots, horses, and runners, trying to build that image.

"And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel."

(2 Samuel 15:2)

The gate was where people came for judgment and public business. Absalom puts himself where hurting, frustrated, and burdened people will pass by. He asks where they are from, and he makes the conversation personal. He wants each man to feel noticed by him.

"And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee."

(2 Samuel 15:3)

I see Absalom is telling people what they want to hear. He cannot honestly know every man's case is right. Then he blames David's government by saying there is no man appointed of the king to hear them. He does not openly curse David, but he plants doubt.

"Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!"

(2 Samuel 15:4)

There is always that person who has the answer for everything. I see Absalom presenting himself as the answer to everybody's problem. He says if he were judge, every man could come to him and receive justice. Rebellion often says, "If only I were in charge, everything would be better."

"And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him."

(2 Samuel 15:5)

Absalom is acting humble and affectionate. When men came to bow before him, he reached out, took them, and kissed them. He made them feel close to him. This reminds me of David kissing Absalom in the last chapter.

"And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel."

(2 Samuel 15:6)

This was not one conversation. Absalom is doing this over and over. This was a pattern. He treated the people this way until he stole their hearts. The Holy Spirit places great emphasis on that word "stole." The hearts did not rightly belong to him. He took by flattery what he had not earned by faithfulness. David had won hearts by courage, patience, covenant kindness, and dependence on the LORD. Absalom steals hearts by image, charm, and complaint.

"And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron."

(2 Samuel 15:7)

Absalom is now asking David for permission to go to Hebron. The KJV says "after forty years," and I receive the wording as Scripture gives it. The time has passed, Absalom has been working on a plan, and now he is ready to move. He says he needs to pay a vow unto the LORD. That sounds spiritual. David once went to Hebron because the LORD told him to go there. Absalom goes to Hebron to make himself king.

"For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD."

(2 Samuel 15:8)

Absalom claims that he made this vow while he was in Geshur. He says that if the LORD brought him back to Jerusalem, then he would serve the LORD.

"And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron."

(2 Samuel 15:9)

David still hopes the best of his son. He tells Absalom, "Go in peace." Maybe he wants to believe Absalom is finally turning toward the LORD.

"But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron."

(2 Samuel 15:10)

Absalom is not choosing a random place. He is using a city tied to David's own beginning as king. He sends spies through all the tribes of Israel. He tells them that when the trumpet sounds, they are to say, "Absalom reigneth in Hebron."

"And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing."

(2 Samuel 15:11)

Two hundred men were invited to with Absalom from Jerusalem, but they did not know why. They went "in their simplicity." They were innocent of the conspiracy. Absalom uses their presence to make his movement look stronger and more respectable than it really is. Good people can be used for a bad cause when they do not know what is really going on.

"And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom."

(2 Samuel 15:12)

Ahithophel was not a stranger. He was a trusted advisor. When he joins Absalom, the conspiracy grows stronger. The Bible also says this happens while Absalom offered sacrifices. Again, religion is present, but rebellion is underneath. Sacrifices are being offered while treason is being built. I think back to David bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. David learned that worship must be done God's way. Absalom is using worship language and sacrifice while his heart is set against the king.