2 Samuel 15:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:1-6

Absalom is no sooner restored to his place at court than he aims to be in the throne. He that was unhumbled under his troubles became insufferably proud when they were over; and he cannot be content with the honour of being the king's son, and the prospect of being his successor, but he must be king now. His mother was a king's daughter; on that perhaps he valued himself, and despised his father, who was but the son of Jesse. She was the daughter of a heathen king, which made him the less... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:4

Absalom said, moreover ,.... To the same persons, at the same time: oh that I were made judge in the land ; by which it appears that he had no office under the king; partly either because of his crime, and so not thought fit, and partly because he appeared to be an ambitious aspiring man, and so it was thought not safe to put him into any office: that every man that hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice ; at once, without any further trouble, or coming... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:1-12

The shady side of human nature. The facts are: 1 . Absalom sets up a large domestic establishment with a semblance of royalty. 2 . Rising early in the morning of each day, he is first to meet the suitors for judgment at the gate of the city, and seizes the occasion for insinuating that there is defect in the king's provision for the administration of justice. 3 . He also professes to manifest sympathy with suitors by expressing the wish that he were in a position to do them... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:1-12

( JERUSALEM , HEBRON .) The rebellion of Absalom. About twelve years had elapsed since David's fall into sin. One of its effects was the rebellion of Absalom. The history of this event—most critical for the theocratic monarchy, and "revealing the thoughts of many hearts"—sheds a clear light upon the condition of Israel. "We seem to know all the people; the natural manners and vivid outbursts of feeling make the scene stand out with a kind of homely poetry." In it we discern the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 15:4-6

2 Samuel 15:4-6. Absalom said, O that I were made judge in the land! Though he was admitted to come to court, and see the king, he had no office there, as, it seems, the rest of the king’s sons had. This he took ill, and endeavoured to bring the people to do so too, by persuading them that, if he were in authority, he would take speedy care to do them justice. When any man came nigh to do him obeisance To fall prostrate before him as the king’s son. He put forth his hand and took him ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:1-37

Absalom’s rebellion (15:1-37)By cunning and deceit over the next few years, Absalom strengthened his position and gathered himself a following, mainly among the people of Judah’s country regions. He encouraged a feeling of dissatisfaction with David’s administration and promised a better deal for the common people if he were in a position of authority (15:1-6).Clearly, Absalom was plotting to seize the throne. It appears that he relied for the success of his rebellion upon the personal support... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 15:1-6

2 Samuel 15:6. Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel— Dr. Delaney is of opinion, that Absalom took this occasion to increase his popularity, during the time that his father David lay confined with a very grievous sickness. See the 38th, 39th, and 40th Psalms.REFLECTIONS on 2 Samuel 15:1-6.—No sooner is Absalom restored to favour, than we find him plotting to dethrone his father, and seeking, for that purpose, to alienate from him the love of his subjects, and attach them to himself. For... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 15:1-12

Absalom’s conspiracy 15:1-12Two 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). [Note: Fokkelman, p. 165.] 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... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 15:1-37

The Rebellion of AbsalomHis party is so strong that David is obliged to flee from Jerusalem. He is joined by Ittai the Gittite, and by Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and by Hushai the Archite. The king, however, orders Zadok, Abiathar, and Hushai to return to Jerusalem.1. Fifty men to run before him] Such runners have always formed part of royal state in the East: cp. 1 Kings 1:5; 1 Kings 18:46. 2. Rose] rather, ’used to rise,’ and stand by the gate so as to meet all who went in or out.7.... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 15:1-12

CHAPTER XIX.ABSALOM’S REVOLT2 Samuel 15:1-12.WHEN Absalom obtained from his father the position he had so eagerly desired at Jerusalem, he did not allow the grass to grow under his feet. The terms on which he was now with the king evidently gave him a command of money to a very ample degree. By this means he was able to set up an equipage such as had not previously been seen at Jerusalem. "He prepared him a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him." To multiply horses to himself was... read more

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