2 Samuel 15

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 15 of 24

1 And it happened afterward that Absalom prepared a chariot for himself, and horses, and fifty men running before him.

2 And Absalom rose up and stood by the side of the way of the gate. And it happened that every man who had a cause to come to the king for judgment, Absalom called to him and said, Of what city are you? And he said, Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.

3 And Absalom said to him, Behold, your matters are good and right. And there is no listener to you from the king.

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Chapter Summary

Absalom steals the hearts of Israel. He obtains leave to go to Hebron. He makes there a great conspiracy. David flees from Jerusalem. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark. Hushai is sent to deceive Absalom.

Key Hebrew Words

קֶ֫שֶׁר conspiracy H7195 · TWOT 2090a
עֵצָה counsel H6098 · TWOT 887a
נֶ֫דֶר vow H5088 · TWOT 1308a
גָּנַב steal H1589 · TWOT 364
אֲרוֹן ark H727 · TWOT 166a
חֶ֫סֶד kindness H2617 · TWOT 698a

People & Context

Absalom

David's son who wins Israel's hearts at the gate, feigns a vow at Hebron, and launches the conspiracy.

David

The king who flees Jerusalem barefoot and weeping, sends the ark back, and prays against Ahithophel's counsel.

Ahithophel

The Gilonite, David's counselor, who joins Absalom's conspiracy; David prays God turn his counsel to folly.

Ittai

The Gittite foreigner who refuses to turn back and pledges to stay with the king for life or death.

Zadok

The priest who brings the ark; David sends him back to the city to relay word through his son Ahimaaz.

Hushai

The Archite, David's friend, sent back to Jerusalem to thwart Ahithophel's counsel for Absalom.

Timeline

Absalom Steals the People's Hearts

Absalom procures chariots and men, stands at the city gate, and intercepts men coming for judgment, suggesting he would be a better judge and kissing them, stealing the hearts of Israel.

2 Samuel 15:1-6
Absalom Rebels at Hebron

Absalom asks David for permission to pay a vow in Hebron. Once there, he sends spies to sound the ram's horn and declare him king, enlisting David's counselor Ahithophel.

2 Samuel 15:7-12
David Flees Jerusalem

Hearing of the rebellion, David and his household flee Jerusalem to avoid massacre, leaving ten concubines behind to keep the house. His loyal guards pass on with him.

2 Samuel 15:13-18

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