2 Samuel 15:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Absalom {H53} rose up early {H7925}, and stood {H5975} beside {H3027} the way {H1870} of the gate {H8179}: and it was so, that when any man {H376} that had a controversy {H7379} came {H935} to the king {H4428} for judgment {H4941}, then Absalom {H53} called {H7121} unto him, and said {H559}, Of what {H335} city {H5892} art thou? And he said {H559}, Thy servant {H5650} is of one {H259} of the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He would get up early and stand by the road leading to the city gate; and if someone had a case that was to come before the king for judgment, Avshalom would call to him and ask, "What city are you from?" and he would answer, "Your servant is from the such-and-such tribe in Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

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,”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 15:2 vividly portrays Absalom's calculated and insidious strategy to undermine his father King David's authority and seize the throne. By positioning himself at the city gate, the hub of judicial activity, Absalom intercepted citizens seeking justice from the king, feigning personal interest and sympathy to win their allegiance and lay the groundwork for his rebellion. This verse marks the deliberate commencement of a well-orchestrated campaign to "steal the hearts of the men of Israel."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the second in a pivotal chapter that marks the beginning of Absalom's open rebellion against King David. It immediately follows the description of Absalom's ostentatious display of power and prestige—chariots, horses, and fifty men running ahead of him ([2 Samuel 15:1](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1 - Absalom's Preparations for Rebellion")). These actions are not random but part of a carefully executed plan to present himself as a more accessible and effective leader than his father. Verses 3-6 detail Absalom's method: he criticizes the king's judicial system, expresses false sympathy, and promises better justice, thereby "stealing the hearts of the men of Israel" ([2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom Steals Hearts")). This entire sequence builds upon the preceding narrative of Absalom's return from exile after murdering Amnon ([2 Samuel 13:28-39](/2_samuel/13-28 "2 Samuel 13:28-39 - Absalom Murders Amnon and Flees")) and his eventual, though perhaps incomplete, reconciliation with David facilitated by Joab ([2 Samuel 14:28-33](/2_samuel/14-28 "2 Samuel 14:28-33 - Absalom's Return to Jerusalem")). The underlying tension of a fractured royal family and a potentially disengaged king sets the stage for Absalom's opportunistic rise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the city gate was far more than a mere entrance; it was the bustling center of public life. It served as the primary marketplace, a gathering place for elders and community leaders, and, crucially, the court where legal disputes were heard and justice was administered. Kings, judges, and elders would sit at the gate to listen to grievances and render judgments, as seen in the legal proceedings at the gate in [Ruth 4:1-12](/ruth/4-1 "Ruth 4:1-12 - Boaz at the City Gate"). Absalom's choice to "rise up early, and stood beside the way of the gate" demonstrates his acute understanding of this cultural norm and his strategic brilliance. He positioned himself precisely where disgruntled citizens would come seeking justice from the king, intercepting them before they could even reach David's official court. His question, "Of what city art thou?", was designed to feign personal interest and identify with their tribal affiliation, a crucial aspect of Israelite identity and loyalty, thereby establishing a false sense of rapport and solidarity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational to several key themes in 2 Samuel. It vividly illustrates the theme of **usurpation and rebellion**, marking the deliberate and systematic effort by Absalom to undermine his father's authority and seize power through cunning rather than direct confrontation. It highlights the **exploitation of grievances**, as Absalom masterfully identifies and capitalizes on the frustrations of those who felt their legal cases were neglected or delayed by the royal court, positioning himself as the sympathetic and efficient alternative. Furthermore, the passage underscores the dangers of **charisma and deception**, revealing how Absalom's personal engagement and seemingly genuine concern were a facade, a tool for manipulation designed to "steal the hearts of the men of Israel" ([2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom Steals Hearts")). Implicitly, the narrative also emphasizes the **importance of accessible and swift justice** within a kingdom, suggesting that any perceived failure or delay in the king's administration of justice can create fertile ground for discontent and, ultimately, rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Early (Hebrew, _shakham'_):** The verb שׁכם (_shakham_) means "to rise early," "to be diligent," or "to do something diligently." Absalom's act of rising early is not merely a detail of time but signifies his intense dedication, proactive approach, and tireless effort in pursuing his nefarious agenda. It underscores his calculated diligence in executing his plan to win over the people, highlighting his strategic commitment to the rebellion.
* **Gate (Hebrew, _sha'ar'_):** The noun שַׁעַר (_sha'ar_) refers to the city gate, which was the central public space in ancient Israelite towns. Its significance extended far beyond merely controlling entry and exit; it was the primary location for legal proceedings, commercial transactions, public announcements, and social gatherings. Absalom's choice of this location was deliberate and highly symbolic, placing him at the very nexus of public life and judicial authority, where he could directly intercept and influence those seeking the king's judgment.
* **Controversy (Hebrew, _riv'_):** The noun רִיב (_riv_) denotes a "dispute," "controversy," "legal case," or "grievance." It refers specifically to a legal matter that required resolution, often involving a complaint or a lawsuit between parties. Absalom targeted individuals who had such disputes and were coming to the king for judgment, indicating that these people were already feeling a sense of injustice or dissatisfaction with the existing judicial process, making them ripe for his manipulation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate":** This clause establishes Absalom's strategic initiative and deliberate positioning. His early rising indicates diligence and premeditation, while standing "beside the way of the gate" places him at a critical intercept point, allowing him to engage with citizens before they could reach the king's official court. This was a direct, proactive move to bypass the established channels of authority.
* **"and it was [so], that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment":** This part identifies Absalom's target audience: individuals with legal disputes or grievances who were seeking the king's intervention and resolution. These were people likely feeling vulnerable, frustrated, or neglected by the existing system, making them susceptible to Absalom's overtures. Their journey to the king for judgment highlights the king's ultimate role as the supreme judge.
* **"then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city [art] thou?":** This reveals Absalom's method of engagement. He personally called out to these individuals, initiating a direct, seemingly empathetic conversation. His question about their city or tribal origin was a calculated maneuver to feign personal interest, establish a connection based on shared identity, and gather information that he could later exploit to appear as a sympathetic and relatable figure, unlike the distant king.
* **"And he said, Thy servant [is] of one of the tribes of Israel.":** This final clause provides the citizen's expected response, confirming their Israelite identity and, by extension, their tribal affiliation. This interaction underscores Absalom's success in engaging the populace directly and establishing a preliminary rapport, setting the stage for his subsequent manipulative rhetoric (as seen in the following verses).

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey Absalom's cunning and the unfolding tragedy. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Absalom's seemingly benign actions at the gate clearly predict the full-scale rebellion that will soon erupt. His early rising and strategic positioning are not random but deliberate steps toward a larger, destructive goal. **Irony** is also at play: Absalom positions himself as a purveyor of justice, yet his entire endeavor is founded on injustice, deception, and the usurpation of legitimate authority. He promises fairness while acting with profound unfairness. The **Symbolism** of the "gate" is crucial; it represents not only a physical location but also the seat of justice, power, and community life. By occupying this space, Absalom symbolically attempts to seize control of these very aspects of the kingdom. Finally, the passage uses **Characterization** to reveal Absalom's manipulative nature, portraying him as charismatic, ambitious, and utterly ruthless in his pursuit of power, contrasting sharply with David's perceived detachment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Absalom's actions at the gate resonate with profound theological and thematic implications concerning leadership, justice, and the nature of rebellion. His strategy exposes the vulnerability of any system where justice is perceived to be slow or inaccessible, creating a vacuum that manipulative individuals can exploit for personal gain. The account serves as a timeless warning against those who sow discord and undermine legitimate authority by exploiting public dissatisfaction, highlighting the dangers of charismatic leaders who prioritize self-advancement over the well-being of the people. From a theological perspective, it underscores God's concern for righteous judgment and the responsibility of rulers to administer justice fairly, reflecting His own character. Absalom's rebellion, born of pride and ambition, stands in stark contrast to the divine order and the principles of humble, servant leadership.

* [Proverbs 29:4](/proverbs/29-4 "Proverbs 29:4 - A King Who Establishes Justice")
* [Psalm 82:1-4](/psalm/82-1 "Psalm 82:1-4 - God Judges Among the Gods")
* [Romans 13:1-2](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1-2 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Absalom's cunning rise serves as a potent reminder for believers and leaders alike. It calls us to cultivate discernment, recognizing that outward charm and promises of swift solutions can often mask manipulative intentions. We are challenged to critically evaluate those who seek influence, especially when their methods involve sowing discontent or undermining established, legitimate authority. For those in positions of leadership, whether in the church, family, or community, the passage underscores the vital importance of being accessible, attentive, and diligent in addressing the concerns and grievances of those they serve. A failure to administer justice fairly, to listen empathetically, or to respond promptly to the needs of the people can create fertile ground for division, unrest, and even rebellion, even within the most stable systems. True leadership, as modeled by Christ, is characterized by service, integrity, and a genuine commitment to justice, not by self-promotion or exploitation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern between genuine concern for justice and manipulative tactics in leaders today?**
* **What are the dangers of neglecting or delaying justice in any sphere of life (personal, communal, institutional)?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals, be tempted to exploit others' grievances for our own benefit or to sow discord?**
* **How can we, as followers of Christ, promote accessible and righteous justice in our spheres of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why did Absalom choose the city gate as the place to begin his rebellion?**

Answer: Absalom chose the city gate because it was the central hub of public life and, most importantly, the primary location where legal disputes were heard and judgments rendered by the king or his representatives. By positioning himself there "early," he could intercept citizens who were coming to the king for justice, allowing him to engage them directly, hear their grievances, and subtly turn their hearts away from David and towards himself. It was a strategic move to exploit a perceived weakness in David's administration and win popular support.

**What does Absalom's question, "Of what city [art] thou?" reveal about his strategy?**

Answer: This question reveals Absalom's cunning and manipulative strategy to build rapport and feign personal interest. By asking about their city or tribal origin, he tapped into the strong sense of tribal identity in ancient Israel. This allowed him to appear relatable and sympathetic, creating a false sense of connection with the aggrieved citizens. It was a way to gather information and establish a personal link before proceeding to criticize the king's justice and promise a better alternative ([2 Samuel 15:3-4](/2_samuel/15-3 "2 Samuel 15:3-4 - Absalom's Deceptive Promises")).

**How does this verse highlight a potential weakness in King David's reign?**

Answer: While the verse doesn't explicitly state David's failings, Absalom's ability to exploit the situation implies a perceived or actual weakness in David's administration of justice. The fact that people were coming to the king for judgment suggests a need for royal intervention, and Absalom's effective interception of these individuals points to a potential inaccessibility or slowness in David's judicial process. This vulnerability allowed Absalom to present himself as a more attentive and efficient alternative, ultimately contributing to the "stealing of the hearts of the men of Israel" ([2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom Steals Hearts")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Absalom's manipulative pursuit of power at the gate stands in stark contrast to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of true justice and righteous leadership. Absalom sought to usurp a throne through deception and the exploitation of grievances, but Christ, though rightfully King, "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). While Absalom feigned interest to "steal hearts," Jesus genuinely knew the hearts of all people ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")) and offered true compassion and healing, not for personal gain but for their eternal good. The city gate, a place of earthly judgment, foreshadows the ultimate judgment seat of Christ, who will judge with perfect righteousness, unlike any human king ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")). Absalom's kingdom was of this world, built on human ambition and deceit ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")), but Christ's kingdom is spiritual and eternal, founded on truth, love, and self-sacrifice. He is the one true "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering ultimate justice and reconciliation, not through political maneuvering, but through His atoning work on the cross.

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

Proverbs 4:16

For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause [some] to fall.

Job 24:14

The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.

Exodus 18:26

And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

1 Kings 3:16

¶ Then came there two women, [that were] harlots, unto the king, and stood before him.

1 Kings 3:28

And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had judged; and they feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of God [was] in him, to do judgment.

Matthew 27:1

¶ When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

Exodus 18:14

And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What [is] this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?