2 Samuel 15 10

2 Samuel 15:10 kjv

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 nkjv

Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, 'Absalom reigns in Hebron!' "

2 Samuel 15:10 niv

Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, 'Absalom is king in Hebron.'?"

2 Samuel 15:10 esv

But Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then say, 'Absalom is king at Hebron!'"

2 Samuel 15:10 nlt

But while he was there, he sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel to stir up a rebellion against the king. "As soon as you hear the ram's horn," his message read, "you are to say, 'Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron.'"

2 Samuel 15 verses

2 Samuel 15 10 Meaning

This verse details Absalom's meticulous and treacherous scheme to usurp the throne from his father, King David. It reveals a highly organized and widespread conspiracy, where Absalom covertly dispatched emissaries throughout all the territories of Israel. These messengers were to deliver a precise, pre-arranged command: upon hearing the sound of the trumpet—a signal often associated with royal proclamation, war, or sacred assembly—people across the land were simultaneously to declare Absalom as the new king in Hebron. This act of public declaration, initiated by a hidden plot, symbolized a direct challenge to God's chosen king and a perversion of a symbol of national unity into a tool for rebellion.

2 Samuel 15 10 Context

This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Prior to this, Absalom, having returned from exile after murdering Amnon, meticulously cultivated popularity among the people for four years (2 Sam 15:1-6). He presented himself as a champion of justice, skillfully undermining David's administration and winning the hearts of Israel. The immediate verses describe Absalom requesting permission from David to go to Hebron, ostensibly to fulfill a vow he made to the Lord. This was a deceitful pretext to mask his true intentions. Hebron was strategically chosen not only for its strong ties to Judah and its significance as David's first capital but also possibly to tap into regional loyalties or disaffection towards David's centralized rule in Jerusalem. Verse 10 reveals the sophisticated and comprehensive nature of his plan, transitioning from personal charm to a full-blown national coup.

2 Samuel 15 10 Word analysis

• But: (וְ – ve, conjunction "and," "but") Introduces a stark contrast or shift in events, indicating a hidden agenda contrary to the outwardly presented "vow" in the preceding verse. It signals the emergence of a sinister plot.
• Absalom: (אַבְשָׁל֗וֹם – ’Abšālōm) Son of David, third son, renowned for his beauty (2 Sam 14:25). His name means "my father is peace," an ironic title given his rebellion. He embodied charisma and cunning, orchestrating his coup with careful premeditation.
• sent secret messengers: (שָׁלַח מְרַגְּלִים – shālach meragělîm)
  • sent: (שָׁלַח – shālach) A common Hebrew verb for sending.
  • secret messengers: (מְרַגְּלִים – meragělîm) From the root ragal (to go, walk, spy out). This noun specifically refers to "spies" or "scouts" (e.g., Num 13:16 for those sent to Canaan). This choice of word indicates that these were not ordinary envoys but clandestine agents entrusted with a subversive mission, highlighting the deceitful and insidious nature of Absalom's conspiracy. They acted with secrecy and strategic intent, gauging popular sentiment while spreading their message.
• throughout all the tribes of Israel: (בְּכָל־שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל – bəḵol-šibṭê yiśrā’ēl) Emphasizes the national scope and comprehensive nature of Absalom's conspiracy. This was not a regional revolt but a calculated attempt to dismantle the existing monarchy from within across the entire unified kingdom. It speaks to Absalom’s thoroughness in preparing for his takeover, reaching every corner of David's realm.
• saying: (לֵאמֹ֑ר – lē’mōr) Standard Hebrew way to introduce direct speech.
• 'As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say,': (כְּשָׁמְעֲכֶם אֶת־ק֣וֹל הַשֹּׁפָ֗ר וַאֲמַרְתֶּם֙ – kəšāma‘ăḵem ’et-qōl haššōp̄ār wa’ămartem)
  • sound of the trumpet: (ק֣וֹל הַשֹּׁפָ֗ר – qōl haššōp̄ār) The shofar (ram's horn) had multiple, significant uses in Israel: summoning assembly, declaring war, signalling sacred feasts, and announcing coronations (e.g., 1 Ki 1:39,41). Here, its sacred and symbolic function for national unity and divine announcement is twisted. It's used as a synchronized signal for rebellion, indicating a well-planned, immediate, and widespread declaration of his kingship upon a universally recognized signal.
  • then you shall say: An imperative, demanding an active and public declaration. The conspirators were not merely to acknowledge Absalom’s claim but to publicly participate in legitimizing his usurpation.
• "Absalom is king in Hebron!"': (אָבְשָׁל֖וֹם מָלַךְ֙ בְּחֶבְרֽוֹן – ’abšālōm mālaḵ bəḥeḇrōn)
  • Absalom is king: (אָבְשָׁל֖וֹם מָלַךְ֙ – ’abšālōm mālaḵ) A bold and premature declaration of sovereignty. It asserts immediate royal authority in defiance of the reigning king, David, God's anointed.
  • in Hebron: (בְּחֶבְרֽוֹן – bəḥeḇrōn) Hebron ("association" or "join together") was highly significant. It was Abraham’s burial place (Gen 23), the place where David was first anointed king over Judah (2 Sam 2:4) and later over all Israel (2 Sam 5:3). By declaring himself king here, Absalom consciously sought to connect his illicit claim to the established dynastic legitimacy and leverage Hebron's historical and emotional resonance among the people, particularly in the southern tribes. It symbolized a return to an earlier "Davidic" origin, suggesting perhaps that David had strayed.

2 Samuel 15 10 Bonus section

• The strategic brilliance of Absalom, albeit wicked, is undeniable. His methods here foreshadow political coups and subversive tactics seen throughout history, where a charismatic leader gains popular support and then exploits existing symbols or discontent for a hostile takeover.
• The timing of the trumpet sound emphasizes an expectation of obedience and widespread support for the rebellion, indicating a meticulous pre-organization that went far beyond mere suggestions, demanding immediate action from his sympathizers.
• The incident serves as a spiritual warning against superficial charisma and promises of justice that mask deceptive and rebellious hearts. Like Absalom, false leaders can emerge, appealing to grievances and making grand declarations, while secretly undermining God-ordained authority or spiritual truths. The discernment of their underlying intentions and adherence to truth are paramount.

2 Samuel 15 10 Commentary

2 Samuel 15:10 encapsulates the culmination of Absalom’s manipulative rise to power and his insidious plan to overthrow David’s legitimate reign. The verse highlights his profound deception, utilizing "secret messengers" or "spies" (meraglim) to covertly sow disloyalty across the entire nation. This widespread conspiracy aimed for a simultaneous national uprising, triggered by the recognizable sound of the shofar—a holy instrument here profaned by its use as a signal for rebellion. By choosing Hebron, David's first capital, Absalom cunningly tapped into historical legitimacy and tribal allegiances, creating an immediate and undeniable challenge to David’s authority from within his own house and territory. This act underscores human ambition's capacity for betrayal, disregarding divine ordination and lawful order in pursuit of earthly power. The tragedy lies not just in the rebellion itself, but in the calculated and strategic perversion of trust and established symbols to achieve a self-serving end.