2 Samuel 15:10

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.

But Absalom {H53} sent {H7971} spies {H7270} throughout all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}, saying {H559}, As soon as ye hear {H8085} the sound {H6963} of the trumpet {H7782}, then ye shall say {H559}, Absalom {H53} reigneth {H4427} in Hebron {H2275}.

But Avshalom sent spies through all the tribes of Isra'el to say, "The moment you hear the sound of the shofar, then start proclaiming, 'Avshalom is king in Hevron.'"

Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’”

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 is king in Hebron.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:10 KJV:

Context

This verse marks a critical turning point in Absalom's carefully orchestrated rebellion against his father, King David. Having spent years subtly winning the hearts of the people of Israel (as seen in 2 Samuel 15:6), Absalom has now gone to Hebron under the false pretense of fulfilling a vow. Hebron was significant as the city where David was first anointed king over Judah (see 2 Samuel 2:4), lending a semblance of legitimacy to Absalom's move there. This verse describes the next strategic step: sending secret agents throughout the land to coordinate the simultaneous announcement of his claim to the throne.

Key Themes

  • Rebellion and Usurpation: The verse explicitly states Absalom's goal: to be declared king and seize power from David.
  • Strategic Planning and Propaganda: Absalom's use of spies and a coordinated signal demonstrates calculated planning to maximize the impact of his announcement and rally support across all tribes.
  • The Power of a Signal: The trumpet sound serves as the prearranged signal for the spies to declare Absalom's kingship, highlighting the importance of communication in launching a movement.
  • Divided Loyalty: The message being sent "throughout all the tribes of Israel" shows Absalom's intent to challenge David's rule over the entire kingdom, not just a faction.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Absalom reigneth" uses the Hebrew word מָלַךְ (malak), which is the standard term for exercising kingship or becoming king. It's a direct declaration of his claim to the throne. The "sound of the trumpet" refers to the שׁוֹפָר (shofar), a ram's horn, commonly used in ancient Israel for signaling assembly, alarm, or proclamation (see Joel 2:1). Its use here indicates a significant, public announcement.

Related Scriptures

Absalom's choice of Hebron and this coordinated announcement reveal his understanding of political strategy. By having the declaration made simultaneously across the land upon hearing the shofar, he aimed to create a sense of widespread, immediate support and catch David by surprise, potentially minimizing organized resistance. This act directly challenges David's established authority and sets the stage for the civil war that follows in later verses of 2 Samuel chapter 15. The strategy is a clear example of rebellion put into action after a period of careful preparation, contrasting with the more direct methods seen in other biblical power struggles.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a historical example of how challenges to established authority, whether political or spiritual, often involve careful planning, secret coordination, and the strategic use of communication (or propaganda) to spread a message and gain adherents. It reminds us of the importance of discerning truth from manipulative messaging and understanding the motives behind sudden, widespread declarations. It also underscores the disruptive nature of ambition that seeks power through deceit and rebellion.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 11:3 (2 votes)

    Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king to Hebron; and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the LORD; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD by Samuel.

  • 2 Samuel 2:11 (2 votes)

    And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:38 (2 votes)

    All these men of war, that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel [were] of one heart to make David king.

  • 2 Samuel 13:28 (2 votes)

    Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

  • 1 Kings 1:34 (2 votes)

    And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there king over Israel: and blow ye with the trumpet, and say, God save king Solomon.

  • Job 20:5 (2 votes)

    That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?

  • Job 20:29 (2 votes)

    This [is] the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God.