Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Samuel 15
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Samuel 15
Albert Barnes Commentary
2 Samuel 15
"And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him." — 2 Samuel 15:1 (ASV)
And it came to pass... The fulfillment of Nathan’s prophecy, as indicated by the cross-reference, is the key to the direction of the narrative. We are not told how long after Absalom’s return these events occurred.
"And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that, when any man had a suit which should come 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 (ASV)
Beside the gate — See the note on Ruth 4:1.
"And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee." — 2 Samuel 15:3 (ASV)
Absalom's strategy was to flatter each person by pronouncing a favorable verdict in their case, to stir up a sense of grievance and discontent by criticizing the king for his negligence in trying the legal cases brought by his subjects, and to suggest a sure and easy remedy for all such grievances: making himself king.
He combined these tactics with great charm and courtesy, which his handsome appearance and high rank made all the more effective. This was how Absalom won the favor of the people, who were as shallow and fickle as he was.
"And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel." — 2 Samuel 15:6 (ASV)
Stole the hearts — that is, he deceived them, for the phrase has the same meaning in Genesis 31:20 and Genesis 31:26.
"And it came to pass at the end of forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto Jehovah, in Hebron." — 2 Samuel 15:7 (ASV)
Forty years - An obvious clerical error for "four years," though a very ancient one, which may date from Absalom’s return from Geshur, his reconciliation with David, or the commencement of the criminal schemes to which 2 Samuel 15:1 refers.
Hebron - This, as the former capital of David’s kingdom and Absalom’s birthplace, was well chosen. It was a natural center, probably had many inhabitants discontented with the transfer of the government to Jerusalem, and contained many of the friends of Absalom’s youth. As the place of his birth (compare to 1 Samuel 20:6), it afforded a plausible pretext for holding the great sacrificial feast there (the serving the Lord, 2 Samuel 15:8), which Absalom pretended to have vowed to hold for the glory of God.
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