Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. Some time laterThis phrase indicates a transition in the narrative, suggesting a period of time has passed since the previous events. In the Hebrew text, the phrase is often used to denote a significant development or change in circumstances. Historically, this period follows Absalom's reconciliation with his father, King David, after his exile for the murder of Amnon. It sets the stage for Absalom's next actions, highlighting a shift in his ambitions and intentions. Absalom
Absalom, the third son of King David, is a complex figure in the biblical narrative. His name in Hebrew, "Avshalom," means "father of peace," which is ironic given his later rebellion against his father. Absalom is described as exceptionally handsome and charismatic, traits that play a significant role in his ability to garner support. His actions in this chapter reveal his ambition and desire for power, foreshadowing the ensuing conflict with David. provided for himself
This phrase underscores Absalom's initiative and self-reliance. The Hebrew root "kun" can imply preparation or establishment, suggesting that Absalom is deliberately setting the stage for his future plans. This self-provision indicates a move towards independence and possibly a challenge to his father's authority, as he begins to assert his own identity and leadership. a chariot with horses
The acquisition of a chariot and horses is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context. Chariots were symbols of power, wealth, and military strength. By providing himself with such a display, Absalom is not only elevating his status but also making a public statement of his capabilities and intentions. This act can be seen as a strategic move to gain visibility and influence among the people of Israel. and fifty men to run ahead of him
The presence of fifty men running ahead of Absalom serves as a demonstration of his authority and the loyalty he commands. In ancient times, such a retinue would be a sign of prestige and importance, often reserved for royalty or high-ranking officials. This entourage would have been a visual representation of Absalom's growing power and ambition, as well as a means to impress and win the favor of the populace. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and charismatic personality. He is a central figure in this passage, as he begins to set the stage for his rebellion against his father, King David. 2. Chariot and HorsesSymbols of power and authority in ancient Israel. Absalom's acquisition of these indicates his desire to project an image of kingship and authority. 3. Fifty MenThese men were likely bodyguards or attendants, further emphasizing Absalom's attempt to present himself as a royal figure. 4. JerusalemWhile not mentioned directly in this verse, Jerusalem is the backdrop of Absalom's actions, as it is the capital city where King David reigns. 5. RebellionThe event that is being set into motion by Absalom's actions. This verse marks the beginning of Absalom's conspiracy to overthrow his father, King David. Teaching Points The Dangers of AmbitionAbsalom's actions serve as a cautionary tale about unchecked ambition and the desire for power. His attempt to usurp the throne leads to division and conflict. Believers are reminded to examine their motives and ambitions in light of God's will. The Importance of HumilityAbsalom's self-promotion contrasts with the biblical call to humility. Scripture teaches that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Christians are encouraged to seek humility in their pursuits. The Consequences of SinAbsalom's rebellion is a consequence of unresolved family issues and past sins within David's household. This highlights the importance of addressing sin and seeking reconciliation to prevent future discord. The Role of AppearancesAbsalom's use of chariots and men to project power underscores the biblical warning against judging by appearances. True leadership and authority come from God, not outward displays. Bible Study Questions 1. What motivated Absalom to provide himself with a chariot, horses, and fifty men, and how can we guard against similar motivations in our own lives? 2. How does Absalom's ambition compare to other biblical figures who sought power, and what can we learn from their accounts? 3. In what ways can unresolved family issues lead to larger conflicts, and how can we apply biblical principles to address such issues in our own families? 4. How does the Bible's teaching on humility challenge our culture's emphasis on self-promotion and personal success? 5. Reflect on a time when appearances were deceiving in your life. How can we develop discernment to see beyond outward appearances and recognize true character and leadership? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 14Provides context for Absalom's return to Jerusalem and his reconciliation with David, setting the stage for his subsequent actions. 1 Kings 1Describes a similar situation where Adonijah, another son of David, attempts to usurp the throne, highlighting a recurring theme of familial strife and ambition. Proverbs 16:18Offers wisdom on the dangers of pride, which is relevant to Absalom's actions as he seeks to elevate himself. Psalm 3A psalm attributed to David during Absalom's rebellion, providing insight into David's emotional and spiritual state during this time. People Abiathar, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Aram, Arkite, Cherethites, David, Gittites, Hushai, Israelites, Ittai, Jonathan, Kerethites, Levites, Pelethites, ZadokPlaces Aram, Gath, Geshur, Giloh, Hebron, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mount of OlivesTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Afterwards, Ahead, Carriage, Chariot, Chariots, Fifty, Got, Horses, Pass, Prepared, Prepareth, Provided, Run, Runners, RunningDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:1 4657 horse
5178 running
5252 chariots
8302 love, abuse of 2 Samuel 15:1-4 5383 lawsuits
5501 reward, human
5786 ambition, negative
5822 criticism, against believers
5881 immaturity 2 Samuel 15:1-6 5554 status
5804 charm
5919 popularity 2 Samuel 15:1-13 5937 rivalry Library A Loyal Vow
'And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 15. We stand here at the darkest hour of King David's life. Bowed down by the consciousness of his past sin, and recognising in the rebellion of his favourite son the divine chastisement, his early courage and buoyant daring seem to have ebbed from him wholly. He is forsaken by the mass of his subjects, he is preparing to abandon Jerusalem, and to flee as an …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureIttai of Gath
'And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 21. It was the darkest hour in David's life. No more pathetic page is found in the Old Testament than that which tells the story of his flight before Absalom. He is crushed by the consciousness that his punishment is deserved--the bitter fruit of the sin that filled all his later life …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Pardoned Sin Punished
'And It came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2. 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. 3. And Absalom said unto him. See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Loyal to the Core
On the other hand, look at Ittai, perfectly free to go, but in order to end the controversy once for all, and to make David know that he does not mean to leave him, he takes a solemn oath before Jehovah his God, and he doubles it by swearing by the life of David that he will never leave him; in life, in death, he will be with him. He has cast in his lot with him for better and for worse, and he means to be faithful to the end. Old Master Trapp says, "All faithful friends went on a pilgrimage years …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880 Following Christ
"And Ittai answered the king, and said, as the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be."--2 Samuel 15:21. SOME men have a very remarkable power of creating and sustaining friendship in others. David was a man brimming over with affection--a man, notwithstanding all his rough soldier-life, of an exceedingly tender heart--a man, I was about to say--the word was on my tongue--a man of vast …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916 The Will of God
"Here am I, let Him do to me as seemeth good unto Him."--2 Sam. xv. 26. G. Ter Steegen. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Thou sweet beloved Will of God, My anchor ground, my fortress hill, The Spirit's silent fair abode, In Thee I hide me and am still. O Will, that willest good alone, Lead Thou the way, Thou guidest best; A silent child, I follow on, And trusting, lean upon Thy Breast. God's Will doth make the bitter sweet, And all is well when it is done; Unless His Will doth hallow it, The glory …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) A Light to Lighten the Gentiles
P. G. 2 Sam. xv. 19-22; John xii. 26 "Wherefore goest thou with me?" Said the king disowned-- Said the king despised, rejected, Disenthroned. "Go, return unto thy place, To thy king of yore-- Here a pilgrim and a stranger, Nothing more. "Not for thee the cities fair, Hills of corn and wine-- All was portioned ere thou camest, Nought is thine. "Wandering forth where'er I may, Exiled from mine own, Shame, rejection I can grant thee; That alone. "Turn and take thy brethren back, With thy people …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ).
Thrice happy they who at Thy side, Thou Child of Nazareth, Have learnt to give their struggling pride Into Thy hands to death: If thus indeed we lay us low, Thou wilt exalt us o'er the foe; And let the exaltation be That we are lost in Thee. Let me say a little on a subject which, like the last, is one of some delicacy and difficulty, though its problems are of a very different kind. It is, the relation between the Curate and his Incumbent; or more particularly, the Curate's position and conduct …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 15:1 NIV2 Samuel 15:1 NLT2 Samuel 15:1 ESV2 Samuel 15:1 NASB2 Samuel 15:1 KJV
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