2 Samuel 15:1-12

2 Samuel 15:1-12

[1] And it came to pass after this,  that Absalom  prepared  him chariots  and horses,  and fifty  men  to run  before  him. [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.  [3] And Absalom  said  unto him, See,  thy matters  are good  and right;  but there is no man deputed of the king  to hear  thee. [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!  [5] And it was so, that when any man  came nigh  to him to do him obeisance,  he put forth  his hand,  and took  him, and kissed  him. [6] And on this manner  did  Absalom  to all Israel  that came  to the king  for judgment:  so Absalom  stole  the hearts  of Israel.  [7] And it came to pass after  forty  years,  that Absalom  said  unto the king,  and pay  my vow,  which I have vowed  unto the LORD,  in Hebron.  [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.  [9] And the king  said  in peace.  So he arose,  to Hebron.  [10] But Absalom  sent  spies  throughout all the tribes  of Israel,  saying,  As soon as ye hear  the sound  of the trumpet,  then ye shall say,  Absalom  reigneth  in Hebron.  [11] And with Absalom  went  two hundred  men  out of Jerusalem,  that were called;  and they went  in their simplicity,  and they knew  not any thing.  [12] And Absalom  sent  for Ahithophel  the Gilonite,  David's  counsellor,  from his city,  even from Giloh,  while he offered  sacrifices.  And the conspiracy  was strong;  for the people  increased  continually  with Absalom. 

What does 2 Samuel 15:1-12 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Two sub-sections each begin with a reference to time ( 2 Samuel 15:1; 2 Samuel 15:7) and form a literary "diptych" (i.e, two complementary panels). [1] The first six verses explain how Absalom undermined popular confidence in the Lord"s anointed for four years. The last six relate his final preparations to lead a military revolution against David.
"Whatever the reason, he exhibited the same patient scheming and relentless determination which he had already shown when he set out to avenge the rape of his sister (chapter13); the leopard had not changed his spots. His hatred for Amnon at least had had some excuse, but now it became clear that he had no affection for his father either. Apart from his love for his sister Tamar, he appears to have been a cold, ruthless and above all ambitious man." [2]
Absalom spent four years ( 2 Samuel 15:7, probably980-976 B.C.) quietly planning a coup. That "four" is the correct number rather than "40" seems clear from other chronological references. [3] He did this by securing military weapons and supporters ( 2 Samuel 15:1; cf. 1 Kings 1:5), criticizing his father"s administration ( 2 Samuel 15:2-3), promising to rule better than David ( 2 Samuel 15:4), and exercising personal charm and flattery ( 2 Samuel 15:5-6). David was at this time (980-976 B.C.) building his palace in Jerusalem, then constructing a new dwelling place for the ark, and finally making preparations for the temple ( 2 Samuel 5:9-12). This may be the reason David was not meeting the needs of his people as well as he might have done. It probably accounts for David"s surprise when Absalom"s coup began as well.
Perhaps Absalom chose Hebron as the place to announce his rebellion because that was his birthplace, and his support was probably strongest there. Some in Hebron may have resented David"s moving his capital from there to Jerusalem. [4] Ahithophel ( 2 Samuel 15:12) was probably Bathsheba"s grandfather ( 2 Samuel 11:3; 2 Samuel 23:34). Ahithophel"s support of Absalom may suggest that the general public did not know about God"s choice of David"s successor. Ahithophel came from a town in Judah ( Joshua 15:51).
Absalom"s rebellion against God"s anointed king is similar to the reaction of the Jews to Jesus, the Lord"s Messiah. They did not want Him to reign over them. Consequently Jesus departed from them and returned to heaven, from which he will return to reign over them eventually.