2 Samuel 15:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

NIV: Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.

NASB: Absalom dealt this way with all Israel who came to the king for judgment; so Absalom stole the hearts of the people of Israel.

CSB: Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for a settlement. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

NLT: Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.

KJV: And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

NKJV: In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

David became king by protecting the people, giving them gifts, and showing loyalty to their leaders. He slew Goliath (1 Samuel 17:48–49) as well as many other Philistine armies (1 Samuel 18:7). He took spoils from the Amalekites and gave some of the loot the elders of Judah (1 Samuel 30:26–31). When Saul and Jonathan died, David mourned (2 Samuel 1:18–27). When Saul's general and son were murdered, he denied any involvement and sought justice (2 Samuel 3:26–39; 4:5–12). In return, Judah (2 Samuel 2:4) and then the northern tribes (2 Samuel 5:1–3) invited him to be king.

When David's son Absalom decides he wants to be king, he uses a different strategy. First, he rides around Jerusalem as if he already were the king: in a chariot behind fifty running men. Second, he disparages the current ruler. When travelers come to the city gates of Jerusalem, Absalom tells them David won't hear their complaints: that he won't even assign a judge to their tribe. Then Absalom makes promises without truly doing anything. He doesn't protect the petitioners from the people taking advantage of them. He merely suggests that he would if he could. He's not a sincere leader or an active lobbyist; he's a celebrity.

Absalom is beautiful, with amazing hair (2 Samuel 14:25–27), but his character is a shadow of his father's. His cunning, however, is deep. Absalom knows that it's easier to manipulate opinions than convince people with. If he can steal the affection and loyalty of enough Israelites who are even slightly dissatisfied, he can count on their support when he declares himself king.

We aren't told why David loses popularity so quickly. Scholars have made speculations, including that David has so many Philistine warriors at his command (2 Samuel 15:18). It's likely due in large part to the fact that Israel had never been truly united before: during the time of the Judges, Israel was a collection of tribes; during Saul's reign, they weren't much better. David, from the tribe of Judah, is now king of all the northern tribes. As the men from those tribes come to Jerusalem to make their petitions, they have no way of knowing if Absalom is lying or not. Ironically, Absalom knows the most reliable way to unite a nation: by giving them a common villain.

Second Samuel 15:1–6 explains how David's son, Absalom, wins enough support to overthrow his father (2 Samuel 15:7–17). He makes the most of his newly restored honor after literal and relational exile for five years after murdering his brother. Finally reconciled to David, Absalom assumes the role of crowned prince and champion of the people. He flatters the common people as he tells them his father won't hear their petitions. After four years, Absalom will be ready to make a direct move.

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.