Absalom Rebels Against David
July 17, 2022
Commentary
In order to show himself as a man of authority, Absalom provided himself with “a chariot and horses” and “50 men to run ahead of him” (vv. 1–6). His plan was simple and subtle. He wanted to establish himself as a leader in the eyes of the people of Israel. Early each morning, he stood beside the main road leading to Jerusalem. This was where unhappy citizens would pass as they brought their complaints to someone of royal authority. When Absalom asked where they were from, he assured them that their case was valid and deserved to be heard. He then suggested that if he were appointed judge, he would personally see that justice was done. In this way, he implied that he, not King David, was the one who truly cared. Through flattery and false concern, Absalom “stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”
After Absalom had lived in Jerusalem for four years, he decided the time had come to seize the kingdom (vv. 7–12). To hide his true intentions, he asked David for permission to travel to Hebron, the city where David had first been made king, claiming he needed to fulfill a vow to the Lord. David, unaware of the plot, told his son to “go in peace.” Absalom then sent out “secret messengers” to the tribes of Israel, instructing them that at the “sound of the trumpet,” he was to be proclaimed king. Many men from Jerusalem followed him, not knowing his real purpose. Absalom also persuaded Ahithophel, one of David’s trusted counselors, to join him. As Bathsheba’s grandfather, Ahithophel held bitterness toward David. This dangerous combination of Absalom’s ambition and Ahithophel’s counsel caused the rebellion to grow stronger.
Application
Am I building influence through humility or through image? Do I listen with truth, or use kind words to gain approval? Am I honest about my intentions today? Who is shaping my choices—God or my ambition? I will ask God to guard my heart, lead me in truth, and help me walk faithfully.
2 Samuel 15:1–12 (NET)
1 Some time later Absalom managed to acquire a chariot and horses, as well as fifty men to serve as his royal guard. 2 Now Absalom used to get up early and stand beside the road that led to the city gate. Whenever anyone came by who had a complaint to bring to the king for arbitration, Absalom would call out to him, “What city are you from?” The person would answer, “I, your servant, am from one of the tribes of Israel.” 3 Absalom would then say to him, “Look, your claims are legitimate and appropriate. But there is no representative of the king who will listen to you.” 4 Absalom would then say, “If only they would make me a judge in the land! Then everyone who had a judicial complaint could come to me and I would make sure he receives a just settlement.”
5 When someone approached to bow before him, Absalom would extend his hand and embrace him and kiss him. 6 Absalom acted this way toward everyone in Israel who came to the king for justice. In this way Absalom won the loyalty of the citizens of Israel.
7 After four years Absalom said to the king, “Let me go and repay my vow that I made to the Lord while I was in Hebron. 8 For I made this vow when I was living in Geshur in Aram: ‘If the Lord really does allow me to return to Jerusalem, I will serve the Lord.’” 9 The king replied to him, “Go in peace.” So Absalom got up and went to Hebron.
10 Then Absalom sent spies through all the tribes of Israel who said, “When you hear the sound of the horn, you may assume that Absalom rules in Hebron.” 11 Now 200 men had gone with Absalom from Jerusalem. Since they were invited, they went naively and were unaware of what Absalom was planning. 12 While he was offering sacrifices, Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s adviser, to come from his city, Giloh. The conspiracy was gaining momentum, and the people were starting to side with Absalom.
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