He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, "What city are you from?" And if he replied, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel," He would get up earlyThis phrase indicates Absalom's diligence and determination. In the Hebrew context, rising early often signifies a sense of urgency and purpose. Absalom's actions were premeditated, showing his commitment to his cause. Historically, rising early was a practice of those who were earnest in their endeavors, whether for good or ill. Absalom's early rising reflects his ambition and strategic planning to win the hearts of the people. stand beside the road leading to the gate
The city gate in ancient Israel was not just a physical structure but a place of significant social and judicial activity. It was where elders and leaders would gather to discuss and decide on legal matters. By positioning himself here, Absalom placed himself at the heart of civic life, where he could intercept those seeking justice. This strategic location allowed him to influence and sway public opinion, subtly undermining King David's authority. Whenever anyone had a grievance
The word "grievance" suggests a legal or personal complaint requiring resolution. In the context of ancient Israel, grievances were often brought before the king or appointed judges. Absalom's involvement in these matters indicates his attempt to present himself as a more accessible and empathetic leader than his father, King David. This reflects a deeper understanding of the people's needs and a calculated move to gain their loyalty. to bring before the king for judgment
This phrase underscores the role of the king as the ultimate judge and arbiter in Israel. King David was known for his wisdom and fairness, yet Absalom's actions suggest a perceived gap between the king and his subjects. By inserting himself into this process, Absalom sought to create an image of a more approachable and just leader, subtly criticizing his father's administration. Absalom would call out to him
Absalom's proactive approach in calling out to those with grievances demonstrates his eagerness to engage with the people. This action is both strategic and symbolic, as it shows his desire to be seen as a man of the people. In the Hebrew tradition, calling out can also imply a public declaration, further emphasizing Absalom's intent to be noticed and remembered by those he interacted with. 'What city are you from?'
This question serves multiple purposes. It personalizes the interaction, making the individual feel seen and heard. It also allows Absalom to gather information about the diverse tribes and regions of Israel, potentially identifying areas of discontent. This question reflects Absalom's political acumen, as he seeks to understand and exploit the divisions within the kingdom for his gain. And he would reply, 'Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.'
The response highlights the unity and diversity of the nation of Israel. Each tribe had its unique identity and issues, and by acknowledging this, Absalom positioned himself as a unifying figure. The term "your servant" indicates a posture of humility and respect, which Absalom could use to his advantage by presenting himself as a servant-leader, contrasting with the perceived distance of King David. 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 undermine his father's authority. 2. City GateIn ancient Israel, the city gate was a place of legal and civic activity. It was where elders and leaders would gather to hear disputes and make judgments. 3. King DavidAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the reigning king of Israel at the time. Absalom's actions are a direct challenge to his authority. 4. Tribes of IsraelThe people coming to the city gate represent the various tribes of Israel, indicating the widespread nature of Absalom's influence. 5. JudgmentThe legal process by which disputes were resolved, typically overseen by the king or appointed judges. Teaching Points The Subtlety of RebellionAbsalom's actions at the city gate illustrate how rebellion often begins subtly. He positions himself as a friend to the people, slowly undermining the king's authority. Believers should be wary of subtle influences that lead away from God's established order. The Importance of DiscernmentAbsalom's charm and apparent concern for justice could easily deceive those seeking help. Christians are called to exercise discernment, ensuring that leaders and influencers align with biblical principles. The Consequences of Unresolved ConflictAbsalom's rebellion is rooted in unresolved issues with his father, David. This highlights the importance of addressing conflicts and grievances in a timely and biblical manner to prevent bitterness and division. Guarding Against PrideAbsalom's desire for power and recognition is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. Believers are reminded to cultivate humility and seek God's glory above their own. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Absalom's behavior at the city gate reflect his intentions and character? What can we learn from this about the nature of rebellion? 2. In what ways can unresolved conflicts lead to larger issues within families or communities? How does the Bible instruct us to handle such conflicts? 3. How can we apply the principle of discernment in our daily lives, especially when evaluating leaders or influencers? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to guard against pride in our own lives, according to biblical teachings? 5. How does the account of Absalom and David connect with other biblical accounts of betrayal and reconciliation? What lessons can we draw from these connections? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 14Provides background on Absalom's return to Jerusalem and his reconciliation with David, setting the stage for his actions in chapter 15. Proverbs 16:18Highlights the theme of pride leading to downfall, which is relevant to Absalom's account as he seeks to usurp his father's throne. Psalm 55:12-14Reflects the pain of betrayal by a close friend or family member, paralleling David's experience with Absalom. 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, Anyone, Beside, Calleth, Cause, Complaint, Controversy, Crying, Decision, Early, Gate, Got, Judged, Judgment, Leading, Meeting-place, Morning, Pass, Placed, Pleading, Public, Rise, Risen, Road, Rose, Servant, Stand, Stood, Suit, Town, Tribe, Tribes, WheneverDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:2 5323 gate
5505 roads 2 Samuel 15:1-4 5383 lawsuits
5786 ambition, negative
5822 criticism, against believers 2 Samuel 15:1-6 5554 status
5804 charm
5919 popularity 2 Samuel 15:1-13 5937 rivalry 2 Samuel 15:2-4 5265 complaints 2 Samuel 15:2-6 5863 flattery 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 15:2 NIV2 Samuel 15:2 NLT2 Samuel 15:2 ESV2 Samuel 15:2 NASB2 Samuel 15:2 KJV
2 Samuel 15:2 Commentaries
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