2 Samuel 15:4

Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

Absalom {H53} said {H559} moreover, Oh that I were made {H7760} judge {H8199} in the land {H776}, that every man {H376} which hath any suit {H7379} or cause {H4941} might come {H935} unto me, and I would do him justice {H6663}!

Then Avshalom would continue, "Now if I were made judge in the land, anyone with a suit or other cause could come to me, and I would see that he gets justice!"

And he would add, โ€œIf only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.โ€

Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

Commentary

2 Samuel 15:4 presents a pivotal moment in Absalom's calculated rebellion against his father, King David. This verse reveals Absalom's cunning strategy to win the hearts of the people by positioning himself as a more effective and just leader.

Context

This verse is set during a period of growing unrest in King David's reign, following the tragic events surrounding Absalom's sister Tamar and the murder of Amnon (2 Samuel 13:28-29). After his return from exile, Absalom began to subtly undermine David's authority. He would rise early, stand by the way of the gate, and intercept those coming to the king for judgment. Here, he directly expresses his false desire to be a judge, implying that David's system was slow, inefficient, or unfair, thereby drawing people's loyalty away from the reigning monarch.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Calculated Manipulation: Absalom's words are not born of genuine concern but are a strategic move to gain popular support. He uses flattery and false promises to "steal the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:6).
  • The Appeal of Justice: People naturally yearn for fair and accessible justice. Absalom capitalizes on any perceived shortcomings in David's administration to present himself as the solution, promising to "do him justice."
  • Undermining Authority: By suggesting that he could provide better justice, Absalom directly challenged David's competence and integrity as the supreme judge of the land. This was a direct assault on the foundations of David's kingdom.
  • The Genesis of Rebellion: This verse illustrates how a rebellion can be meticulously planned, starting with subtle critiques and exploiting public grievances, real or imagined, before escalating into open revolt.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "judge" is shophet (ืฉึนืืคึตื˜), which refers to one who decides legal cases, arbitrates disputes, and administers justice. Absalom's promise to "do him justice" uses the word tzedek (ืฆึถื“ึถืง), implying righteousness, equity, and fairness. He presents himself as the embodiment of this desired tzedek, contrasting it with David's perceived deficiencies.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a cautionary tale for both leaders and followers:

  • For Leaders: It highlights the critical importance of ensuring that justice is truly accessible and perceived as fair within any system of governance. Neglecting the public's need for justice can create fertile ground for discontent and rebellion.
  • For Followers: It warns against being swayed by charismatic individuals who make grand promises and undermine established authority for their own ambitious ends. Discerning true leadership from manipulative tactics is crucial for societal stability and personal well-being. The story of Absalom's rebellion reminds us to look beyond superficial charm to the true character and motives of those seeking influence, as ultimately, Absalom's rebellion ended tragically.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 9:29 (6 votes)

    And would to God this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. And he said to Abimelech, Increase thine army, and come out.

  • Luke 14:8 (3 votes)

    When thou art bidden of any [man] to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

  • Luke 14:11 (3 votes)

    For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

  • Judges 9:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,

  • Judges 9:5 (3 votes)

    And he went unto his father's house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, [being] threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

  • Proverbs 27:2 (3 votes)

    ยถ Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

  • 2 Peter 2:19 (3 votes)

    While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.