2 Samuel 15:2

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.

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}.

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."

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,”

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

2 Samuel 15:2 KJV describes the beginning of Absalom's cunning strategy to usurp his father King David's throne. This verse paints a vivid picture of Absalom's calculated political maneuvering, setting the stage for one of the most significant rebellions in Israel's history.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, the city gate was far more than just an entrance or exit; it was the hub of public life. It served as the marketplace, the primary meeting place for elders, and most importantly, the court where legal disputes were heard and judgments rendered. Kings, elders, and judges would sit at the gate to administer justice. Absalom's choice to "rise up early, and stood beside the way of the gate" demonstrates his strategic brilliance and relentless ambition. He positioned himself precisely where disgruntled citizens would come seeking justice from the king, intercepting them before they could even reach David.

By asking, "Of what city art thou?", Absalom feigned personal interest and sought to identify with their tribal affiliation, a crucial aspect of Israelite identity. This was a direct contrast to the perceived inaccessibility or slowness of King David's own judicial processes, which Absalom had likely been observing and exploiting (as implied in the verses immediately following, 2 Samuel 15:3).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Usurpation and Rebellion: This verse marks the deliberate, systematic effort by Absalom to undermine his father's authority and seize power. His actions are not spontaneous but part of a well-orchestrated plan to win the hearts of the people.
  • Exploitation of Grievances: Absalom masterfully identifies and capitalizes on the frustrations of those who felt their legal cases were neglected or delayed by the royal court. He positions himself as the sympathetic alternative, promising swift and fair judgment.
  • Charisma and Deception: Absalom's personal engagement and seemingly genuine concern ("Of what city art thou?") were a facade. His charm was a tool for manipulation, designed to "steal the hearts of the men of Israel," as noted in 2 Samuel 15:6.
  • The Importance of Accessible Justice: The narrative implicitly highlights the need for a just and accessible legal system. Any perceived failure or delay in the king's administration of justice created an opening for discontent and, in this case, rebellion.

Practical Application

The account of Absalom's cunning rise serves as a timeless warning against those who exploit public dissatisfaction for personal gain. It reminds us to be discerning about charismatic leaders who make grand promises while subtly undermining established authority or sowing discord. For leaders, it 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 and promptly can create fertile ground for division and unrest, even within the most stable systems.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 4:16 (2 votes)

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

  • Job 24:14 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 18:26 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 3:28 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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?