2 Samuel 15:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then say, ‘Absalom is king at Hebron!’"

NIV: Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’ "

NASB: But Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel, saying, 'As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron!’?'

CSB: Then Absalom sent agents throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: "When you hear the sound of the ram’s horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom has become king in Hebron!’"

NLT: But while he was there, he sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel to stir up a rebellion against the king. 'As soon as you hear the ram’s horn,' his message read, 'you are to say, ‘Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron.’'

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’ ”

The coup begins. After four years quietly building support among the people, Absalom believes the time has come to declare himself king and take his father David's throne. Absalom travels to Hebron, with the unsuspecting David's blessing, to hold a coronation service in the same city where David was first crowned king (2 Samuel 2:1–4) and Absalom was born (2 Samuel 3:2–3). Hebron represents the tribe of Judah as well as Simeon which dissolved into Judah. "Israel," here, refers to the entire nation.

Absalom gained the loyalty of the people through manipulation. He dressed as an honored royal prince and drove his chariot to the city gates. When a traveler arrived with a dispute, Absalom asked where he was from, then told him David didn't have any judges assigned to his tribe. Once Absalom outlined how his father was failing his people, he assured the traveler that if he were judge, the traveler would certainly receive justice. When the traveler attempted to give Absalom honor, Absalom quickly reversed the tables as if he were the servant and not the prince (2 Samuel 15:1–5).

This tactic was savvy: Absalom won the hearts of men from all over the nation of Israel without ever leaving Jerusalem or solving any of their issues. All he did was look pretty, act humble, and promise hypotheticals. He could have fixed the people's problems, but that would have made David's leadership look good. It was to Absalom's advantage to point blame and feign helplessness.

The extent of Absalom's nationwide support is demonstrated by his confidence. He is sure that when the people throughout Israel hear the coordinated sounding of the ram's horn trumpets, they will accept as fact that Absalom is now their ruler. In that era, a trumpet molded from the horn of a ram was used to send signals throughout the ancient Near East during this time. Specific messages could be sent using an agreed upon code of short and longer blasts. Absalom's reach is wide and well-coordinated.

In Second Samuel 15:7–12, David's son prepares treason. Absalom has been manipulating visitors to Jerusalem for four years. He claims David won't give them justice, but Absalom would if he had the authority. Absalom goes to Hebron, where David was crowned king of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4), and calls on his supporters to declare him king. Afraid of a battle in Jerusalem, David gathers his household and staff and flees the city. Along the way, David discovers who his friends are (2 Samuel 15:13–37).

God's curses against David continue (2 Samuel 12:10–12). David's son Absalom stages a coup. His followers declare him king and escort him to Jerusalem. David and those faithful to him flee the city for the wilderness. He leaves behind two priests, their sons, and an advisor to thwart Absalom's plans. As he travels, David willingly endures every humiliation, not knowing which are from God. Joab kills Absalom, and the kingdom is restored (2 Samuel 16—18). Absalom's betrayal is not recorded in 1 Chronicles.

Second Samuel 15 continues the fulfillment of God's curse on David. As he betrayed his friend Uriah, so someone from David's house will betray him (2 Samuel 12:11). David's son Absalom steals the people's hearts and declares himself king. David and his household flee the city, leaving behind ten concubines and five spies. The spies protect David until Joab can kill Absalom in battle. David is humbled and forgives his enemies (2 Samuel 16—19).