ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 Samuel 15

2 Sam 15:1–19:43 The account of Absalom’s rebellion against David is divided into six parts: (1) Absalom’s conspiracy and proclaiming himself king (15:1–12); (2) David’s escape from Absalom, and the people he met on the way (15:13–16:14); (3) the war council where the competition between Ahithophel and Hushai determines David’s fate (16:15–17:23); (4) David’s favorable reception at Mahanaim (17:24–29); (5) the battle and the death of Absalom (18:1–19:8a); and (6) David’s return to Jerusalem (19:8b–43).

2 Sam 15:1 a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. Absalom’s pride stands in contrast to David’s humility (1 Sam. 26:9–11; 2 Sam. 7:18; 15:25–26). Later Adonijah behaves similarly, “saying ‘I will be king’?” (1 Kings 1:5). See also 1 Sam. 8:11.

2 Sam 15:3 there is no man designated by the king to hear you. Absalom’s statement was surely an exaggeration. The widow of Tekoa got a hearing. And if it had been known that there was no chance of a hearing, people would not have come to Jerusalem in hopes of having their cases heard.

2 Sam 15:4 Oh that I were judge in the land! Absalom is essentially saying that he wants to be king. For the judging role of kings, see 1 Sam. 8:5; Prov. 31:9.

2 Sam 15:7 Hebron was where David had ruled when he was king only of Judah (2:4). It was Absalom’s birthplace (3:2–3).

2 Sam 15:10 The phrase the tribes of Israel sometimes refers to all of Israel, and at other times refers to Israel as opposed to Judah. Here, it refers to all of Israel, including Judah. It is clear that Judah participated in the rebellion. In chs. 15–18, “Israel” usually means “Absalom’s side,” while David’s side is referred to as “David’s servants” or “the army.”

2 Sam 15:12 These sacrifices were apparently part of a coronation ceremony (see 1 Sam. 11:14–15; 1 Kings 1:9–11) formally declaring Absalom’s kingship (2 Sam. 15:10; 16:16).

2 Sam 15:13–16:14 David flees Jerusalem so that the city will not be destroyed.

2 Sam 15:18–20 The Cherethites and the Pelethites are David’s bodyguard (8:18). The Gittites (that is, men from Gath) had come yesterday (15:20), that is, recently, and could go back to their homes. This group is probably not David’s own 600 men who had gone with him from Israel to Ziklag (1 Sam. 27:2).

2 Sam 15:23 The brook Kidron runs just east of Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives (v. 30) is to the east of the brook.

2 Sam 15:24–37 Though David leaves the city, by the providence of God he is able to set up a messenger system: from Hushai, to Zadok and Abiathar, to their sons (via a maid, 17:17), to David (15:36).

2 Sam 15:25–26 Carry the ark of God back into the city. David does not try to use the ark as some sort of good luck charm. Perhaps he realizes that Absalom’s rebellion is partly the result of David’s own sins (12:10), and he does not know how far the Lord intends to punish him (let him do to me what seems good to him).

2 Sam 15:27 Are you not a seer? Perhaps David is implying that Zadok does not know precisely what God will do about David (see note on vv. 25–26). Maybe he is indicating that Zadok, because the people hold him in honor as a seer, will be allowed to pass safely into the city, where he will be most useful to David.

2 Sam 15:28 The fords of the wilderness were at the west bank of the Jordan River.

2 Sam 15:30 Going barefoot and with his head covered were signs of mourning. weeping as he went. David had many reasons to weep: his own misfortunes and the dangers he now faced, as well as the troubles now facing Israel and his own family, for which he was partly responsible.

2 Sam 15:31–32 Ahithophel had been David’s trusted counselor (v. 12; see 16:23), but now he was among the conspirators.

2 Sam 15:33–36 whatever you hear . . . tell. Although earlier David may have questioned Zadok’s “seeing” (v. 27), it is clear that what Zadok and Abiathar “hear” from the undercover work of Hushai in Jerusalem (v. 34) will benefit David and his followers (vv. 35–36; see 17:15–16; 22).