2 Samuel 15:3

KJV

And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters [are] good and right; but [there is] no man [deputed] of the king to hear thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Absalom {H53} said {H559} unto him, See {H7200}, thy matters {H1697} are good {H2896} and right {H5228}; but there is no man deputed of the king {H4428} to hear {H8085} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avshalom would say to him, "Look, your cause is good and just; but the king hasn't deputized anyone to hear your case."

Berean Standard Bible

Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.”

American Standard Version

And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 15:3 reveals Absalom's insidious strategy to usurp his father David's throne by meticulously undermining the king's authority and winning the allegiance of the people. Stationed at the city gate, a traditional hub for legal proceedings, Absalom intercepts those seeking royal justice, feigning empathy for their grievances while subtly implying King David's negligence and inaccessibility in administering justice, thereby sowing seeds of discontent and redirecting loyalty towards himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial component of Absalom's carefully orchestrated rebellion, detailed in [2 Samuel 15:1-6](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1-6 - Absalom's Preparations for Rebellion"). Following his return from Geshur and a strained reconciliation with David (see [2 Samuel 14](/2_samuel/14 "2 Samuel 14 - Absalom's Return and Reconciliation")), Absalom does not reintegrate into court life but immediately begins to consolidate power. His actions at the city gate, starting with acquiring chariots and fifty men ([2 Samuel 15:1](/2_samuel/15-1 "2 Samuel 15:1 - Absalom's Entourage")), are a direct challenge to David's rule. Verse 3 specifically details his verbal manipulation, a key step in his plan to "steal the hearts of the men of Israel" ([2 Samuel 15:6](/2_samuel/15-6 "2 Samuel 15:6 - Absalom Steals Hearts")). This scene sets the stage for the full-blown civil war that erupts, highlighting the tragic consequences of familial discord and political ambition within David's household.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city gate in ancient Israel was far more than an entrance; it served as the primary public square, marketplace, and, crucially, the seat of justice. Elders and officials would gather there to conduct legal proceedings, resolve disputes, and make public pronouncements. For the king to be perceived as inaccessible or negligent in hearing his people's cases was a grave indictment, striking at the core of his responsibility as a divinely appointed ruler. Kings were expected to be the ultimate arbiters of justice, upholding the law and ensuring fairness for all, especially the vulnerable. Absalom's tactic directly exploited this cultural expectation, leveraging any real or perceived administrative shortcomings to paint David as a detached ruler, thereby justifying his own bid for power in the eyes of the populace.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illustrates themes of **usurpation and deception**, as Absalom employs cunning rhetoric to undermine legitimate authority rather than direct confrontation. His feigned concern for the people's "good and right" matters, contrasted with his subtle accusation of David's neglect, is a masterclass in **political manipulation**. This act highlights the **breakdown of justice** within the kingdom, or at least the perception thereof, which Absalom skillfully exploits. It also underscores the destructive nature of **unchecked ambition** and **filial betrayal**, as a son turns against his own father for personal gain. These themes resonate with the broader narrative of David's reign, which, despite its successes, is continually plagued by internal strife and the consequences of his own past sins, as prophesied by Nathan in [2 Samuel 12:11](/2_samuel/12-11 "2 Samuel 12:11 - Nathan's Prophecy of Trouble in David's House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good and right (Hebrew, _ṭovim u'nechochim'_):** This phrase, literally "good and straight/upright," is Absalom's initial validation of the complainant's case. By immediately agreeing that their matters are legitimate and just, Absalom establishes an immediate rapport and trust. This feigned empathy is a crucial psychological tactic, making his subsequent critique of the king's inaction all the more potent and persuasive in the eyes of the common people, who feel heard and understood by him.
* **No man deputed (Hebrew, _ein shomea leka me'et hammelech'_):** This Hebrew phrase literally translates to "there is no one listening to you from the king." The KJV's "deputed" captures the essence of a lack of official representation or a breakdown in the direct line of communication and justice from the king's court. Absalom's statement implies a systemic failure in David's administration, suggesting either that the king is too busy, too detached, or simply lacks the proper officials to handle the people's grievances. This accusation, whether entirely true or a malicious exaggeration, creates a vacuum of perceived justice that Absalom intends to fill.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters [are] good and right;":** Absalom initiates the conversation with a strategic affirmation. He immediately validates the complainant's concerns, expressing understanding and agreement that their legal case or grievance is indeed just and meritorious. This opening gambit is designed to disarm the individual, gain their trust, and create a sense of shared frustration with the current state of affairs, positioning Absalom as a sympathetic and discerning figure.
* **"but [there is] no man [deputed] of the king to hear thee.":** This is the insidious core of Absalom's manipulation. Following his initial validation, he introduces the critical accusation: the king's failure to provide an accessible means for justice. This statement implies a severe administrative deficiency, suggesting that David is either negligent in his duties, overwhelmed, or simply uncaring about the common people's plight. By stating there is "no man deputed," Absalom highlights a perceived void in the judicial system, subtly presenting himself as the only one capable and willing to fill that void.

#### Literary Devices
Absalom's interaction in this verse is rich with **Rhetoric** and **Manipulation**. He employs persuasive language designed to deceive and sway public opinion. His opening phrase, "See, thy matters [are] good and right," is a form of **flattery** and **feigned empathy**, designed to build immediate rapport and trust with the aggrieved citizen. This is immediately followed by a subtle yet devastating **accusation** against King David, presented not as a direct assault but as a lamentable observation: "there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee." This creates a powerful **contrast** between Absalom's apparent concern and David's perceived neglect. The entire scene is steeped in **Irony**, as Absalom, who is actively plotting rebellion and injustice against his father, positions himself as the champion of justice and the people's advocate. This **foreshadows** the widespread deception and betrayal that will characterize his rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse exposes the profound vulnerability of even a divinely appointed kingship to internal subversion, particularly when perceptions of justice are compromised. It underscores the biblical emphasis on righteous governance, where a king's primary duty includes ensuring accessible and fair justice for all his subjects. Absalom's actions highlight the destructive power of ambition when it is unchecked by integrity and respect for legitimate authority. The theological implication is that true leadership, especially in God's kingdom, is characterized by service, accessibility, and a commitment to justice, contrasting sharply with Absalom's self-serving manipulation.

* [Proverbs 29:2](/proverbs/29-2 "Proverbs 29:2 - Righteous vs. Wicked Rulers")
* [Deuteronomy 16:18-20](/deuteronomy/16-18 "Deuteronomy 16:18-20 - Appointment of Judges and Justice")
* [Psalm 82:3-4](/psalms/82-3 "Psalm 82:3-4 - Divine Call for Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Absalom's cunning strategy in 2 Samuel 15:3 serves as a timeless cautionary tale for both leaders and those being led. For leaders, it is a stark reminder of the critical importance of accessibility, responsiveness, and ensuring that avenues for justice and redress are genuinely open and perceived as fair. Neglect, whether real or perceived, can create fertile ground for discontent and disloyalty, even among those who were once faithful. For followers, the passage calls for profound discernment. Absalom's charm and apparent empathy were a cloak for destructive ambition; his words, though seemingly validating, were designed to sow discord and undermine legitimate authority. We are challenged to look beyond flattering words and promises, examining the true motives and character of those who seek influence, especially when they sow division or criticize established order without offering genuine, constructive solutions. This discernment is vital in all spheres of life, from civic engagement to church communities, where manipulative tactics can erode trust and lead to spiritual or social upheaval.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern between legitimate criticism of leadership and manipulative attempts to undermine authority?**
* **In what ways can leaders, whether in government, church, or family, ensure that people feel heard and that justice is accessible?**
* **What are the dangers of allowing perceived grievances to fester without being addressed, and how can we proactively prevent such situations?**
* **How does Absalom's approach challenge our own tendencies to seek power or influence through flattery or subtle undermining?**

### FAQ
**Was King David truly negligent in administering justice, or was Absalom merely fabricating a grievance?**

Answer: The text of 2 Samuel does not explicitly state that David was negligent. However, it's plausible that after years of kingship, and perhaps distracted by personal issues (such as the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba, the unrest in his family, and the rebellion of his son Amnon), David's administration might have become less efficient or accessible. Absalom, being shrewd, likely exploited any *perception* of negligence, whether it was a minor oversight or a more systemic issue. His genius lay in validating the people's "good and right" matters, thereby making his subsequent accusation against the king's inaccessibility resonate deeply with their frustrations. He capitalized on a potential weakness, even if it was just a perceived one, to further his own ambitious agenda.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Absalom's manipulative quest for a throne, built on false empathy and the undermining of his father's authority, stands in stark contrast to the true King, Jesus Christ. Absalom promised justice he could not deliver and sought to steal hearts for his own glory, ultimately leading to chaos and death. Jesus, however, is the King who truly hears the cries of His people, not through a flawed earthly system, but through His perfect and accessible reign. He is the [righteous Judge](/isaiah/11-3 "Isaiah 11:3 - Jesus, the Righteous Judge") who does not need to be "deputed" by another, for all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Unlike Absalom, who exploited perceived injustices for personal gain, Christ perfectly embodies justice and righteousness, offering true reconciliation and peace ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")). He is the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring that their "matters" are not only "good and right" but are eternally resolved through His atoning sacrifice. Where Absalom sowed division and betrayal, Christ offers unity and unwavering faithfulness, establishing a kingdom that will never be overthrown ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")).

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

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Proverbs 30:17

The eye [that] mocketh at [his] father, and despiseth to obey [his] mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.

Proverbs 30:11

[There is] a generation [that] curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

Matthew 15:4

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

1 Peter 2:17

Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

2 Samuel 8:15

¶ And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.

Ezekiel 22:7

In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.