Absalom's Conspiracy and Rise to Power
2 Samuel 15:1-12
2 S.15.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מאחרי: PREP
- כן: ADV
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מרכבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וססים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וחמשים: NUM,card,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רצים: VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,pl
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 1:5 (verbal): Adonijah likewise 'prepared chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run before him' when attempting to exalt himself as king — a near-verbatim parallel and similar power-grab motif.
- 1 Kings 10:26 (thematic): Solomon's accumulation of 'chariots and horsemen' frames chariots as visible markers of royal power and prestige, the same social-symbolic world Absalom is invoking.
- Psalm 20:7 (thematic): Contrastive proverb: 'Some trust in chariots and some in horses...' — chariots/horses used elsewhere as imagery for human strength and reliance on military or royal display like Absalom's.
- Isaiah 31:1 (allusion): Condemns trusting in horses and chariots (Egyptian military aid) rather than God — echoes the motif of chariots as a misplaced dependence on worldly/military power exemplified by Absalom's spectacle.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass after this that Absalom made for himself a chariot, and horses, and fifty men running before him.
- And after this Absalom made for himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2 S.15.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והשכים: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועמד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אי: PRON,interrog
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאחד: PREP+NUM,card,sg
- שבטי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
Parallels
- Exodus 18:13-26 (structural): Moses sits to hear disputes of the people and act as judge; Jethro’s advice about appointing judges highlights the gate as the public place of adjudication—parallel in function to Absalom’s taking up a judging role at the gate (contrast: Moses’ legitimate judicial role vs. Absalom’s usurpation).
- Ruth 4:1-2 (structural): Boaz goes to the city gate to settle the matter of the kinsman-redeemer before the elders; like Absalom, Boaz uses the gate as the formal locus for legal decisions and public recognition of verdicts.
- Proverbs 31:23 (thematic): ‘Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land’—the gate is portrayed as the place where authority and reputation are displayed, echoing Absalom’s deliberate use of the gate to present himself as a local arbiter and leader.
- 1 Kings 1:5-10 (thematic): Adonijah’s self-exaltation and gathering of supporters to claim the throne parallels Absalom’s political maneuvering—both stage public actions to win allegiance and press a bid for royal power.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Absalom rose early and stood beside the way of the gate. And whenever any man who had a dispute came to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And he would say, “From one of the tribes of Israel—your servant.”
- And Absalom rose early and stood beside the way of the gate; and whenever any man who had a dispute came to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From which city are you?” And he would say, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.”
2 S.15.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- דברך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- טובים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ונכחים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ושמע: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- אין: PART,neg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- מאת: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:2 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Absalom stations himself at the city gate to intercept petitioners—this verse is part of that same tactic of public access and persuasion.
- 2 Samuel 15:6 (thematic): Directly related theme: this verse states Absalom 'stole the hearts of the men of Israel'—the same strategy of flattering, accessible speech described in 15:3.
- Psalm 55:21 (verbal): ‘His speech was softer than butter, yet war was in his heart’ — a spoken parallel about smooth, flattering words that conceal hostile intent, like Absalom’s praise of petitioners’ words.
- Proverbs 26:28 (thematic): Proverb on the danger of flattering speech (‘a flattering mouth works ruin’): resonates with Absalom’s use of pleasing words to gain influence and cause harm.
- Ezekiel 33:31-32 (allusion): Ezekiel condemns people who respond eagerly to flattering words and ignore true warning—parallels the populace’s readiness to accept Absalom’s sweet language and promises.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Absalom would say to him, “See, your matters are good and right; there is no one to hear you on the king’s behalf.”
- And Absalom would say to him, “See, your case is good and right, yet there is no hearing for you from the king.”
2 S.15.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- ישמני: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- שפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ועלי: CONJ+PREP+PRON,1,sg
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומשפט: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והצדקתיו: CONJ+VERB,hifil,perf,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:6 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: verse 6 explicitly states that Absalom 'stole the hearts of the men of Israel,' repeating the outcome of his gate‑strategy described in 15:4.
- 1 Samuel 8:4–5 (thematic): Both passages reflect popular appeals for judicial/royal authority—Israel’s demand for a king to 'judge' them like other nations parallels Absalom’s posing as a judge to win public support.
- 1 Kings 1:5–10 (structural): Adonijah’s self‑promotion and effort to secure powerful backers to claim the throne parallels Absalom’s tactic of courting petitioners and building a political base.
- Judges 9:1–6 (thematic): Abimelech’s solicitation of support at Shechem (using popular backing and elimination of rivals) is a close antecedent in the cycle of leaders who secure rule by manipulating local assemblies and public opinion.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Absalom said, “Who will make me judge in the land? That all who have any suit or cause may come to me, and I will give them justice.”
- And Absalom would say, “Who will hear me? I will be judge in the land; and to me shall come every man who has a grievance or a suit, and I will give him justice.”
2 S.15.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בקרב: PREP
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להשתחות: INF,hitpael
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ושלח: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- והחזיק: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ונשק: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Gen.33.4 (verbal): Esau runs to Jacob, embraces and kisses him — same verb and social gesture of greeting/kissing used on meeting, though motive (reconciliation) differs from Absalom’s political courting.
- Matt.26.48-49 (thematic): Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss — demonstrates use of a kiss as a political/strategic act of identification or manipulation, paralleling Absalom’s use of kissing to win supporters.
- Ruth.4.1-2 (structural): Boaz goes to the city gate and sits where legal/communal business is done — parallels Absalom’s positioning beside the city gate as the place to meet petitioners and influence public justice.
- 1Sam.10.1 (verbal): Samuel anoints Saul and kisses him — another instance of a kiss functioning as a public gesture of recognition/blessing, paralleling Absalom’s use of physical greeting to confer favor and build relationships.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it would be, when any man came near to bow himself to him, that he would put out his hand, take him, and kiss him.
- And when any man came near to bow down to him, he would stretch out his hand, take him, and kiss him.
2 S.15.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- לכל: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- למשפט: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויגנב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Sam.15.12 (verbal): Repeated report in the same narrative: the exact motif that Absalom 'stole the hearts of the men of Israel' is reiterated, underscoring the tactic of winning popular support.
- Judges 9:1-6 (thematic): Abimelech secures support from Shechem by manipulating local leaders and gaining popular backing—parallel example of a would‑be ruler building a power base among the people.
- 1 Kings 12:1-20 (thematic): The break between northern tribes and Davidic rule (Rehoboam/Jeroboam episode) shows how political maneuvering and loss of royal favor lead to rebellion and the transfer of popular loyalty.
- Num.16:1-3 (thematic): Korah’s challenge to Moses represents an internal contest for leadership in which rivals try to draw off the people’s allegiance—similar dynamic of undermining established authority.
- 1 Sam.18:6-7 (thematic): Public acclaim shifts allegiance to David (the women’s song), provoking political consequences; illustrates how popular sentiment can elevate or undermine leaders, as Absalom exploits in 2 Sam 15:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Absalom did to all Israel who came to the king for judgment; thus Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
- Thus Absalom did to all Israel who came to the king for judgment, and Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
2 S.15.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מקץ: PREP
- ארבעים: NUM,m,pl
- שנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלכה: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- נא: PART
- ואשלם: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נדרי: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1s
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נדרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:1-6 (structural): Immediate narrative context: describes Absalom's courtship of the people at the gate and his plotting—sets up his request to go to Hebron as part of his conspiracy.
- 2 Samuel 15:10 (structural): Direct continuation: Absalom goes to Hebron and is proclaimed king there—shows the fulfillment of the stated purpose (going to Hebron) as the pretext for rebellion.
- Judges 11:30-31 (thematic): Jephthah's vow to the LORD at the outset of military action; parallels the motif of making a solemn vow to Yahweh and the ways vows can motivate or legitimate subsequent actions.
- 1 Samuel 1:11 (thematic): Hannah's vow to dedicate a son to the LORD (at a sanctuary) parallels the personal, religious vow-language and the practice of going to a sacred site to fulfill a vow.
- Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (verbal): Admonition to fulfill vows made to God—echoes the ethical/religious expectation that vows to Yahweh should be performed, the cultural background invoked by Absalom's claim to go and 'pay' his vow.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass at the end of forty years that Absalom said to the king, “Let me go, I pray, and pay my vow which I vowed to the LORD at Hebron.”
- And after forty years Absalom said to the king, “Let me go, I pray, and fulfill the vow that I vowed to the LORD in Hebron.”
2 S.15.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- נדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- בשבתי: PREP+VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- בגשור: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בארם: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אם: CONJ
- ישוב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ישיבני: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg+1cs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועבדתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Gen.28.20-22 (verbal): Jacob vows at Bethel: 'If God will bring me again to my father's house… then the LORD shall be my God.' Closely parallels the conditional pledge to serve the LORD if returned home.
- 1Sam.1.11 (thematic): Hannah's vow — she pledges to dedicate her son to the LORD if her petition is granted. Shows the common practice of making personal vows in expectation of divine deliverance.
- Judg.11.30-31 (thematic): Jephthah's conditional vow to offer whatever comes from his house if God grants victory. Another instance of bargaining-style vows made in hope of rescue or return.
- Ps.116.14 (thematic): 'I will pay my vows to the LORD' — a psalmic expression of fulfilling vows after deliverance, reflecting the religious duty implicit in vows like the one in 2 Samuel 15:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- For his servant had vowed a vow while he sojourned in Geshur in Aram, saying, “If the LORD indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.”
- For your servant made a vow while I was in Geshur, in Aram, saying, ‘If the LORD returns me to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.’”
2 S.15.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- בשלום: PREP
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- חברונה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 2:4 (structural): David is anointed king over Judah at Hebron earlier in his career; Hebron functions as a legitimate royal seat, which Absalom exploits when he goes there to be proclaimed king.
- 1 Kings 1:33–39 (thematic): Solomon is secretly anointed at Gihon by David’s supporters to secure the succession—parallels Absalom’s move to Hebron as a rival faction’s attempt to establish a claimant through public ceremony and supporters.
- 1 Kings 1:5–10 (thematic): Adonijah’s self-exaltation and bid for the throne mirrors Absalom’s conspiracy: internal dynastic rebellion relying on supporters and political maneuvering to seize kingship.
- 2 Samuel 20:1–2 (thematic): Sheba son of Bichri’s later revolt (‘We have no part in David’) echoes the same pattern of regional leaders withdrawing support and rallying opposition to David’s rule, as in Absalom’s uprising.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron.
- The king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he rose and went to Hebron.
2 S.15.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מרגלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבטי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כשמעכם: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- קול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השפר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואמרתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 1:39 (verbal): Solomon’s accession is publicly announced with trumpet blasts and acclamation — parallels Absalom’s use of a trumpet-signal to proclaim a rival king and mobilize support.
- 2 Kings 9:13 (verbal): Jehu is proclaimed king with a trumpet blast and acclamation after a coup — another instance of using a trumpet as the ritual/public signal to announce a new king.
- 2 Samuel 2:4 (structural): David is anointed/received as king at Hebron — highlights Hebron as a locus for royal claims and provides a structural contrast to Absalom’s choice of Hebron for proclaiming himself king.
- 2 Samuel 15:12 (thematic): Earlier in the same narrative Absalom ‘stole the hearts of the men of Israel’ — this verse explains the political groundwork (gaining supporters) that makes the later trumpet-proclamation and sending of messengers effective.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “When you hear the sound of the trumpet, say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron.’”
- And Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “When you hear the sound of the trumpet, say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron.’”
2 S.15.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מאתים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קראים: PART,qal,m,pl
- והלכים: CONJ+PART,qal,m,pl
- לתמם: PREP+ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ידעו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- כל: DET
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 15:10 (structural): Immediate context: the preceding verse describes Absalom’s preparations (chariots, horses, fifty men) to exalt himself and set the stage for men leaving Jerusalem to join him.
- 2 Samuel 15:12 (thematic): Direct narrative continuation: this verse explains the result—Absalom ‘stole the hearts’ of Israel’s men, accounting for why many were called and went to him unaware of the plot’s full implications.
- 1 Kings 1:5-9 (verbal): Adonijah’s self-exaltation closely parallels Absalom’s tactics: he gathers chariots, horsemen and supporters in the palace precincts in an effort to seize the throne—similar means and setting.
- Judges 9:1-6 (thematic): Abimelech’s rise (securing support among Shechem and hiring followers to make himself ruler) echoes the pattern of a claimant winning over local leaders and assembling men to seize power.
Alternative generated candidates
- And with Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem, invited and going with innocent hearts; they knew nothing of anything.
- And with Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem—men who were called and went unsuspecting, knowing nothing.
2 S.15.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אחיתפל: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הגילני: NOUN,prop,m,sg,def
- יועץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעירו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מגלה: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- בזבחו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הזבחים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- הקשר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אמץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- הולך: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- ורב: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אבשלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 17:1-4 (verbal): Same characters and immediate follow-up: Ahithophel gives specific counsel to Absalom to pursue David at once—shows the content and urgency of Ahithophel’s role in the conspiracy begun in 15:12.
- 2 Samuel 15:32-37 (structural): Nearby narrative scene in which Hushai is sent back to Absalom; sets up the competing counsel that will counter Ahithophel’s advice and is part of the same plot development begun in 15:12.
- 1 Kings 12:1-19 (thematic): Parallel case of a royal schism shaped by advisers’ counsels (older vs younger counselors/Jeroboam–Rehoboam episode): both passages depict political revolt and the decisive influence of counselors on the kingdom’s fate.
- Psalm 41:9 (allusion): David’s lament over betrayal by a close companion echoes the theme of trusted advisor/associate (Ahithophel) turning against the king—a personal betrayal motif linked to the events of 15:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city—when he was offering the sacrifices—and the counsel was set in motion. The conspiracy was strong, and the people went up with Absalom in great number.
- And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city, Giloh—when he was offering the sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; the people went and increased after Absalom.
After these things Absalom made for himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate; and when any man had a dispute to come to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From which city are you?” and he would say, “From one of the tribes of Israel—your servant.” And Absalom would say to him, “See, your matters are good and right; there is no one from the king to hear you.” And Absalom would say, “Who will make me judge in the land? Then every man who has a case or dispute will come to me, and I will give him justice.”
When he stood among the people to show them honor, he would stretch out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. So Absalom did to all Israel who came to the king for judgment; and Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
After some time Absalom said to the king, “Let me go, I pray, and pay my vow which I vowed to the LORD at Hebron.”
For your servant made a vow while he sojourned in Geshur among the Arameans, saying, “If the LORD indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.” And the king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron. And Absalom sent runners throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron.’” And with Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem whom he had called and sent—who went in their innocence and knew nothing. And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city while he was offering sacrifices; and the conspiracy became strong, and a great many people went with Absalom.