2 Samuel 15 2

2 Samuel 15:2 kjv

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 nkjv

Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, "What city are you from?" And he would say, "Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel."

2 Samuel 15:2 niv

He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, "What town are you from?" He would answer, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel."

2 Samuel 15:2 esv

And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, "From what city are you?" And when he said, "Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,"

2 Samuel 15:2 nlt

He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where in Israel they were from, and they would tell him their tribe.

2 Samuel 15 verses

2 Samuel 15 2 Meaning

This verse describes Absalom's subtle and deliberate strategy to undermine King David's authority and win the loyalty of the people. He intentionally positioned himself at the city gate early each morning, intercepting individuals who were coming to the king to seek justice or resolution for their legal disputes. By engaging them with seemingly concerned questions about their origin, Absalom initiated a deceptive campaign to present himself as a more accessible and sympathetic alternative to the established royal judgment system, laying the groundwork for his rebellion.

2 Samuel 15 2 Context

This verse initiates the account of Absalom's revolt against King David, his father, marking a tragic chapter in David's reign. Absalom had been allowed to return to Jerusalem after three years of exile for murdering his brother Amnon, but he remained estranged from his father's presence for two years. Having gained an audience with David, Absalom now sets about establishing himself as a rival authority. The context highlights a period of increasing family strife and moral decline within David's household, following his own grave sins (2 Samuel 11-12). Absalom's actions leverage any perceived judicial deficiencies of David, exploiting the common practice of people approaching the king directly for judgment. The city gate, as the traditional forum for legal and civic affairs in ancient Israelite society, served as the ideal strategic location for Absalom to launch his carefully planned campaign of subversion.

2 Samuel 15 2 Word analysis

• "And Absalom used to rise early": The Hebrew verb is wayyiškem (וַיַּשְׁכֵּם), from the root šāḵam (שׁכֶם), which means "to rise early," often implying diligence, earnestness, or deliberate purpose. This emphasizes that Absalom's actions were not spontaneous but a consistent, premeditated part of his scheme, displaying an uncharacteristic dedication to this manipulative endeavor.
• "and stand beside the way of the gate": The phrase ʿal yad dereḵ ha-šaʿar (עַל יַד דֶּרֶךְ הַשַּׁעַר).
  • ʿal yad (עַל יַד) literally means "by the hand of," often signifying "beside" or "near."
  • derek ha-sha`ar (דֶּרֶךְ הַשַּׁעַר) means "way of the gate." The "gate" (šaʿar) was the primary public space in ancient Israelite cities, serving as the locus for legal judgments, commercial transactions, public announcements, and social interaction (e.g., Ruth 4:1, Amos 5:10). Absalom strategically positioned himself at this nexus of public life, ensuring he intercepted people before they could reach the formal court or the king.
• "And when any man had a dispute or case": The Hebrew terms are riv (רִיב) and davar (דָּבָר).
  • riv refers to a legal dispute, lawsuit, or controversy, often implying contention or quarrel.
  • davar here means "matter" or "affair," encompassing a broader range of issues requiring judicial attention. This highlights that Absalom targeted individuals with genuine grievances or official concerns that they believed necessitated royal intervention.
• "come to the king for judgment": The phrase la-mišpāṭ (לַמִּשְׁפָּט), meaning "for justice" or "for judgment." It underscores the fundamental expectation that the king, as the ultimate judicial authority, would provide righteous and impartial judgment (cf. Deut 17:8-11). Absalom capitalized on this expectation and any perceived lack thereof from David.
• "Absalom would call to him": wayyiqraʾ ʿālāyw (וַיִּקְרָא עָלָיו) – "and he would call to him." This was an overt, public gesture. He wasn't just observing; he was actively initiating contact, presenting himself as approachable and eager to engage with those seeking the king.
• "and say, 'From what city are you?'": A seemingly innocuous and polite question. However, this query served multiple strategic purposes: it allowed Absalom to bypass formal court protocol, establish a personal connection, and ascertain the individual's tribal or regional loyalties, which could be exploited for building a broad base of support for his impending rebellion. This personalized approach flattered the petitioner, making them feel heard and valued by a royal figure, unlike the potentially distant and bureaucratic official process.

2 Samuel 15 2 Bonus section

Absalom's actions here highlight a timeless political strategy: when legitimate authority is perceived to be failing, even slightly, an ambitious usurper can exploit this by presenting themselves as more caring, accessible, and capable. This mirrors how spiritual deception can begin, not through overt evil, but by preying on legitimate concerns and offering what seems like a better, more direct way to God or truth, circumventing established divine order (e.g., Gen 3:1). David, burdened by past sins and internal family turmoil, may have inadvertently allowed some inefficiency in the administration of justice, creating the very void Absalom exploited. This narrative serves as a reminder for leaders, both secular and spiritual, of the importance of diligent, accessible, and just leadership in preventing discord and preserving unity.

2 Samuel 15 2 Commentary

2 Samuel 15:2 depicts Absalom's calculated commencement of his rebellion against David. His strategy was deceptively simple yet profoundly effective: positioning himself at the public gate, he intercepted those seeking the king's justice, thereby intercepting their allegiance. By diligently rising early, he projected an image of accessibility and concern, subtly contrasting with any perception of David's distance. His seemingly innocuous inquiry about their origin opened the door for personal engagement, enabling him to gain rapport and gather intelligence for his ultimate objective – stealing the hearts of the people and usurping the throne. This was not merely an administrative bypass but a psychological warfare waged through charm and false concern.