2 Samuel 15:8

For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.

For thy servant {H5650} vowed {H5087} a vow {H5088} while I abode {H3427} at Geshur {H1650} in Syria {H758}, saying {H559}, If the LORD {H3068} shall bring me again {H7725}{H7725} indeed to Jerusalem {H3389}, then I will serve {H5647} the LORD {H3068}.

Your servant made a vow while I was staying at G'shur in Aram to the effect that if ADONAI would bring me back to Yerushalayim, then I would serve ADONAI."

For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: ‘If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.’”

For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If Jehovah shall indeed bring me again to Jerusalem, then I will serve Jehovah.

Commentary

Context

This verse is spoken by Absalom, King David's son, to his father, King David. It marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Absalom's elaborate rebellion against his father. Absalom, who had been exiled to Geshur for three years after killing his half-brother Amnon (2 Samuel 13:38), had recently been permitted to return to Jerusalem but was not allowed to see the king for two years. After his reconciliation with David, Absalom begins to cunningly win the hearts of the people, setting the stage for his coup.

In this verse, Absalom requests permission to go to Hebron, claiming he needs to fulfill a vow he made while he was at Geshur in Syria. This supposed vow—to serve the LORD if he was brought back to Jerusalem—is a calculated deception designed to gain David's trust and facilitate his departure to Hebron, which he had chosen as the starting point for his revolt due to its historical and religious significance.

Key Themes

  • Deception and Hypocrisy: Absalom uses a religious vow as a cover for his treasonous intentions. He feigns piety and devotion to the LORD while plotting to usurp his father's throne. This highlights the danger of outward religious observance without inner sincerity.
  • Manipulation of Faith: The verse demonstrates how spiritual acts, like making vows, can be twisted and exploited for personal, ungodly gain. Absalom leverages David's respect for religious commitments to achieve his nefarious goals.
  • Absalom's Ambition: This deceptive vow underscores Absalom's ruthless ambition and his willingness to use any means, including religious pretense, to achieve power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "vowed a vow" (Hebrew: nādar neder) emphasizes the solemnity and binding nature of such an oath in ancient Israelite culture. Vows were serious commitments made before God, often in exchange for a divine favor. Absalom's statement, "then I will serve the LORD" (Hebrew: 'e'evod et YHWH), implies an act of worship or dedication. The irony lies in Absalom's complete lack of intention to genuinely "serve the LORD" in the spirit of true devotion, but rather to use the pretense of it for his own selfish agenda.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder about the importance of integrity and sincerity in our faith. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and to discern true motives, both in ourselves and in others. We are called to serve God not out of obligation or for personal gain, but from a genuine heart of love and devotion (John 4:24). Absalom's story is a cautionary tale against using religion as a mask for selfish ambition or as a tool for manipulation.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 28:20 (4 votes)

    And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,

  • Genesis 28:21 (4 votes)

    So that I come again to my father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God:

  • 2 Samuel 13:37 (4 votes)

    But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And [David] mourned for his son every day.

  • 2 Samuel 13:38 (4 votes)

    So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

  • Jeremiah 9:3 (3 votes)

    And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

  • Jeremiah 9:5 (3 votes)

    And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, [and] weary themselves to commit iniquity.

  • 1 Samuel 1:11 (3 votes)

    And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.