2 Samuel 15:11

KJV

And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, [that were] called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

KJV (with Strong's)

And with Absalom {H53} went {H1980} two hundred {H3967} men {H376} out of Jerusalem {H3389}, that were called {H7121}; and they went {H1980} in their simplicity {H8537}, and they knew {H3045} not any thing {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With Avshalom went 200 men from Yerushalayim who had been invited; they went innocently, knowing nothing about the scheme.

Berean Standard Bible

Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter.

American Standard Version

And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they knew not anything.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 15:11 offers a poignant glimpse into the initial stages of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. It highlights the cunning deception employed by Absalom, who, under the guise of fulfilling a religious vow, gathered two hundred men from Jerusalem. These men, invited to what they believed was a legitimate and pious event, are explicitly described as having gone "in their simplicity" and knowing "not any thing" of Absalom's true, treacherous intentions to usurp the throne. The verse underscores the vulnerability of the innocent to manipulation and the insidious nature of deceit, even when cloaked in religious pretense.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion, marking the transition from his years of subtle political maneuvering to overt insurrection. Preceding chapters detail Absalom's calculated strategy to "steal the hearts of the men of Israel," as seen in [2 Samuel 15:1-6](/2_samuel/15-1-6 "2 Samuel 15:1-6 - Absalom Steals Hearts"), where he positioned himself as a more accessible and just alternative to David. Verse 11 immediately follows Absalom's feigned request to go to Hebron to fulfill a vow to the Lord, a deceptive maneuver described in [2 Samuel 15:7-9](/2_samuel/15-7-9 "2 Samuel 15:7-9 - Absalom's Deceptive Vow"). The departure of these 200 unwitting men with Absalom to Hebron, David's former capital, lends an air of legitimacy to his actions, setting the stage for the public declaration of his kingship and the subsequent flight of David from Jerusalem, as recounted in [2 Samuel 15:13-14](/2_samuel/15-13-14 "2 Samuel 15:13-14 - David Flees Jerusalem"). The verse thus serves as a crucial narrative device, illustrating the depth of Absalom's deception and the initial, unsuspecting support he garnered.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Absalom's rebellion unfolds within the complex political landscape of ancient Israelite monarchy. Kingship, particularly during David's reign, was understood to be divinely ordained, with the king serving as God's anointed representative. A rebellion against the king was therefore not merely a political act but an act of treason against God's chosen leader. Hebron held significant historical weight as David's first capital, as noted in [2 Samuel 2:1-4](/2_samuel/2-1-4 "2 Samuel 2:1-4 - David Anointed King in Hebron"), making it a symbolically potent location for Absalom to declare his kingship, aiming to evoke loyalty from those who remembered David's humble beginnings there. The cultural practice of making vows and offering sacrifices was deeply ingrained in Israelite society, often serving as a legitimate reason for travel and assembly. Absalom expertly exploited this religious custom as a deceptive cover for his true rebellious intentions, leveraging the people's piety for his own political gain. This manipulation highlights the ease with which sacred traditions could be perverted for secular, self-serving ends in a culture where religious and political life were inextricably linked.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion") and the broader biblical narrative. **Deception and Manipulation** are central, as Absalom masterfully orchestrates his coup through cunning rather than overt force, exemplified by his "stealing the hearts" of the people, a strategy detailed in [2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom's Political Strategy"). The **Naiveté and Unknowing Involvement** of the 200 men underscore the vulnerability of the innocent to charismatic but corrupt leadership, highlighting the dangers of blind allegiance. This leads to the theme of **Discernment**, emphasizing the critical need to evaluate motives and intentions, a theme echoed in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 14:15](/proverbs/14-15 "Proverbs 14:15 - The Simple Believe Anything"). Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating how the ripple effects of one person's ambition can ensnare and endanger others, even those who are blameless. It also touches upon the **Nature of True Kingship** versus illegitimate usurpation, setting a contrast that will be fully explored as David's reign faces this profound challenge.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** Derived from H7121, this word signifies "to call out to," "summon," or "invite." In this context, it implies a legitimate invitation, not a conscription into a rebellious army. The men were summoned under a pretense that would have appeared entirely normal and perhaps even honorable, likely to participate in a religious sacrifice or a significant gathering, rather than to join a coup. This highlights Absalom's meticulous planning and his ability to cloak his treason in acceptable social and religious customs.
* **Simplicity (Hebrew, _tôm'_):** Derived from H8537, this word conveys "completeness," "integrity," "innocence," or "uprightness." It suggests that these men were straightforward, pure in their intentions, and devoid of any guile or malicious intent. They were not co-conspirators but rather acted in good faith, perhaps even with a degree of naiveté, in stark contrast to Absalom's cunning and duplicity. Their "simplicity" underscores their moral blamelessness concerning the rebellion.
* **Knew not any thing (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_ and _dâbâr'_):** This phrase combines H3045 (_yâdaʻ_), meaning "to know" or "to ascertain by seeing," and H1697 (_dâbâr_), meaning "a word," "matter," or "thing." Together, they emphatically reinforce the preceding "in their simplicity." It means they were utterly ignorant, completely unaware of Absalom's true agenda or the rebellious nature of the enterprise they were joining. Their lack of knowledge is absolute, distinguishing them from Absalom's inner circle of conspirators and highlighting their unwitting involvement as pawns in his scheme.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem":** This clause establishes the initial contingent of followers who accompanied Absalom. Their origin from Jerusalem, the capital city and seat of David's power, is significant, suggesting they might have been prominent citizens or at least individuals whose presence would lend credibility to Absalom's movements. Their number, 200, is substantial enough to suggest a growing movement but small enough to be manageable for a deceptive initial phase.
* **"[that were] called;":** This phrase clarifies the nature of their involvement. They were not coerced or forcibly recruited but invited. This invitation, as discussed, was under false pretenses, likely a religious ceremony or a social gathering, which would have appeared innocuous or even commendable. This detail underscores Absalom's manipulative strategy, using perceived legitimacy to draw unsuspecting individuals into his plot.
* **"and they went in their simplicity,":** This crucial phrase describes the mental and moral state of these 200 men. They acted with genuine innocence, integrity, and sincerity. They harbored no rebellious thoughts or intentions of their own. Their participation was not driven by disloyalty to David but by a straightforward acceptance of Absalom's invitation, believing it to be for a legitimate purpose.
* **"and they knew not any thing.":** This final clause provides the definitive statement of their complete ignorance. They had no inkling of the true, treasonous nature of Absalom's journey to Hebron. They were utterly unaware that they were participating in the launch of a rebellion against the anointed king, making them innocent bystanders caught in the web of Absalom's deceit.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Juxtaposition** is prominent, contrasting Absalom's calculated cunning and deceit with the profound innocence and naiveté of the 200 men. This stark difference highlights the moral chasm between the manipulator and the manipulated. **Irony** is also at play, as the men believe they are participating in a pious act (a sacrifice or vow), yet they are unknowingly contributing to an act of profound political and spiritual treason against the divinely appointed king. Their religious devotion is tragically subverted for a nefarious purpose. Furthermore, the verse uses **Characterization** to reveal Absalom's insidious nature—his willingness to exploit religious piety and human trust for personal ambition. The description of the men as "simple" and "knowing nothing" serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the broader chaos and unwitting involvement of many others who would be swept up in Absalom's rebellion, often without fully grasping its implications or the true character of its leader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a powerful theological cautionary tale, illustrating the pervasive nature of sin and its capacity to ensnare even the innocent through deception. It underscores the biblical emphasis on discernment and the critical need for believers to "test the spirits" and not blindly follow charismatic figures or movements without careful evaluation of their motives and alignment with divine truth. The "simplicity" of the 200 men, while morally blameless, highlights a vulnerability that can be exploited by those driven by selfish ambition, reminding us that good intentions alone are not always sufficient protection against manipulation. The narrative implicitly calls for wisdom and vigilance in a world where appearances can be deceiving, and where spiritual and political agendas often intertwine in complex, misleading ways. It also touches on the concept of corporate consequence, where even the unwitting can find themselves associated with the fallout of others' sin.

* [Proverbs 14:15](/proverbs/14-15 "Proverbs 14:15 - The Simple Believe Anything")
* [Romans 16:18](/romans/16-18 "Romans 16:18 - Deceivers Serve Themselves")
* [Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Wise as Serpents, Innocent as Doves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the 200 men accompanying Absalom in their "simplicity" offers a timeless lesson for navigating a world often characterized by hidden agendas and persuasive rhetoric. In an age saturated with information and charismatic voices, both secular and religious, the call to cultivate spiritual discernment is more urgent than ever. We are challenged to move beyond superficial appearances and popular narratives, diligently seeking to understand the true motives and ultimate ends of any cause or leader we might be tempted to follow or support. This requires not just intellectual curiosity but a deep reliance on God's Word as our plumb line and the Holy Spirit as our guide, enabling us to distinguish between genuine truth and deceptive manipulation. It also prompts us to consider our own responsibility: while these men were innocent of rebellious intent, their association with Absalom's treason could have had severe consequences. This reminds us that even unwitting participation can have repercussions, urging us to be proactive in our pursuit of truth and integrity, ensuring that our actions and allegiances are always aligned with righteousness and the kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we cultivate spiritual discernment in an age of abundant information and charismatic figures, both within and outside the church?**
* **What responsibility do we have to investigate the true motives and ultimate goals behind causes, movements, or leaders we are invited to join or support?**
* **In what ways might our own "simplicity," trust, or desire for belonging make us vulnerable to manipulation, even when our intentions are good?**
* **How can we ensure that our actions, even those taken unknowingly, do not inadvertently compromise our integrity or align us with agendas contrary to God's will?**

### FAQ
**What happened to these 200 men after they joined Absalom?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly detail the fate of these specific 200 men. Their "simplicity" and complete ignorance of Absalom's true intentions are emphasized, setting them apart from the active conspirators. It is likely that once the rebellion fully unfolded and its true nature became clear, these men, being innocent of treasonous intent, either dispersed, returned to Jerusalem, or were simply absorbed into the broader conflict without active participation in the fighting. Their lack of knowledge may have spared them the severe consequences typically meted out to rebels, as their hearts were not with Absalom's cause.

**Why would Absalom invite men who were "simple" and "knew not any thing" of his plan?**

Answer: Absalom's invitation to these 200 unsuspecting men was a strategic masterstroke designed to lend an air of legitimacy and popular support to his nascent rebellion. By inviting prominent or at least well-regarded men from Jerusalem under the guise of a religious vow or sacrifice in Hebron, he achieved several objectives:
1. **Credibility:** Their presence made his departure from Jerusalem and his activities in Hebron appear as a legitimate, even pious, undertaking, rather than a clandestine plot.
2. **Numbers:** Their inclusion swelled his initial ranks, making his movement seem more significant and widely supported than it actually was among true conspirators.
3. **Deception:** It allowed him to maintain his cover story, preventing suspicion from arising prematurely. The unsuspecting nature of these men meant they would not betray his true intentions, as they didn't even know them.
Absalom was a master manipulator, and using these innocent individuals was a key part of his plan to "steal the hearts of the men of Israel," as documented in [2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom's Political Strategy"), and present himself as a popular alternative to David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Absalom's deceptive kingship and the unwitting involvement of the 200 men finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human ambition and divine sovereignty, and between deceptive leadership and the true Shepherd. Absalom, a charismatic but ultimately self-serving figure, built his kingdom on lies and manipulation, drawing people in under false pretenses. This stands in stark opposition to Jesus Christ, the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), whose kingdom is founded on truth, humility, and sacrificial love, not on earthly power or deceit, as Jesus Himself declared in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"). While Absalom's followers were "simple" and "knew not any thing," Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him with full knowledge and intentional commitment, inviting them to "take up their cross daily" in [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross and Follow") and to know the [truth that sets them free](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free"). Furthermore, the suffering of the innocent caught in Absalom's scheme foreshadows the ultimate innocent suffering of Christ, who, though [without sin](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Knew No Sin"), bore the consequences of humanity's sin, not as an unwitting participant, but as a willing sacrifice, as beautifully described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility"). He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd") who leads His flock with integrity and protects them from deception, ensuring that those who follow Him "will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life," a promise given in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 9:13

As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; [and] afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

1 Samuel 22:15

Did I then begin to enquire of God for him? be it far from me: let not the king impute [any] thing unto his servant, [nor] to all the house of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Romans 16:19

For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

Genesis 20:5

Said he not unto me, She [is] my sister? and she, even she herself said, He [is] my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.

1 Samuel 16:3

And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me [him] whom I name unto thee.