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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 15:4 And he would add, "If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/15-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/10_2Sa_15_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 15:4 - Absalom's Conspiracy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And he would add, If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/15-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/15-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/15.htm">Chapter 15</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm" title="2 Samuel 15:3">◄</a> 2 Samuel 15:4 <a href="/2_samuel/15-5.htm" title="2 Samuel 15:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/15.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/15.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And Absalom would add, &#8220If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/15.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Absalom would say, “Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Moreover Absalom would say, “Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Moreover, Absalom would say, “Oh that someone would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has a lawsuit or claim could come to me, and I would give him justice!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Moreover, Absalom would say, &#8220Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any suit or cause could come to me and I would give him justice.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Moreover, Absalom would say, “Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any suit or cause could come to me, and I would give him justice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Absalom would say, “Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any case or judgment could come to me and I would justify him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Moreover Absalom would say, “Oh, that I were appointed judge in the land! Then every man who had a dispute could come to me and I would get justice for him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He added, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would make sure he received justice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He added, &#8220If only someone would appoint me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would make sure he received justice.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I wish someone would make me the judge around here! I would be fair to everyone." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He would add, "I wish someone would make me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a case to be tried could come to me, and I would make sure that he got justice."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And he would add, "How I wish I were a judge! Then anyone who had a dispute or a claim could come to me, and I would give him justice." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Who will appoint me to be a judge in the land? When anyone arrived to file a legal complaint or other cause, he could approach me for justice and I would settle it!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And he would add, ?If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Absalom would then say, "If only they would make me a judge in the land! Then everyone who had a judicial complaint could come to me and I would make sure he receives a just settlement." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Absalom would say, "Oh that I were made judge in the land, then anyone who had a dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Absalom said moreover, “Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Absalom says, “Who makes me judge in the land, that every man who has a plea and judgment comes to me? Then I have declared him righteous.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Absalom saith, 'Who doth make me a judge in the land, that unto me doth come every man who hath a plea and judgment? -- then I have declared him righteous.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Absalom will say, Who will set me judge in the land? and to me shall every man come which shall be to him strife and judgment, and I did him justice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />O that they would make me judge over the land, that all that have business might come to me, that I might do them justice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />“Who may appoint me judge over the land, so that all those who have a dispute might come to me, and I might judge justly.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And he would continue: “If only I could be appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a lawsuit to be decided might come to me and I would render him justice.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Absalom said moreover, “If only I were judge in the land! Then all who had a suit or cause might come to me, and I would give them justice.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made a judge in the land, that every man who has a lawsuit or a cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abishlum said: “But who makes me Judge in the land and comes to me? Every man who has a judgment and vengeance, even I would be a champion to him!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Absalom said moreover: 'Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abessalom said, O that one would make me a judge in the land; then every man who had a dispute or a cause would come to me, and I would judge him!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/15-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4084" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Absalom's Conspiracy</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/53.htm" title="53: ’aḇ·šā·lō·wm (N-proper-ms) -- Or babshalowm; from 'ab and shalowm; father of peace; Abshalom, a son of David; also a later Israelite.">And he</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">would add,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî- (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">“If only</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: yə·śi·mê·nî (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">someone would appoint me</a> <a href="/hebrew/8199.htm" title="8199: šō·p̄êṭ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To judge, govern. ">judge</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bā·’ā·reṣ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the land,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">then everyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: yih·yeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw- (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: rîḇ (N-ms) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest.">a grievance</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: ū·miš·pāṭ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Judgment. ">or dispute</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: yā·ḇō·w (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">could come</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: wə·‘ā·lay (Conj-w:: Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6663.htm" title="6663: wə·hiṣ·daq·tîw (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-1cs:: 3ms) -- To be just or righteous. A primitive root; to be right.">and I would give him justice.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5</a></span><br />At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/14-1.htm">2 Samuel 14:1-33</a></span><br />Now Joab son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart longed for Absalom. / So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. / Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5-6</a></span><br />“Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” / But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">1 Samuel 8:19-20</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. / Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">1 Kings 12:26-27</a></span><br />Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-36.htm">2 Samuel 3:36</a></span><br />All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-18.htm">2 Samuel 18:18</a></span><br />During his lifetime, Absalom had set up for himself a pillar in the King’s Valley, for he had said, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he gave the pillar his name, and to this day it is called Absalom’s Monument.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">2 Samuel 19:9-10</a></span><br />And all the people throughout the tribes of Israel were arguing, “The king rescued us from the hand of our enemies and delivered us from the hand of the Philistines, but now he has fled the land because of Absalom. / But Absalom, the man we anointed over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about restoring the king?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16-17</a></span><br />When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, / but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">2 Samuel 16:15</a></span><br />Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">2 Samuel 18:5</a></span><br />Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” And all the people heard the king’s orders to each of the commanders regarding Absalom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">2 Samuel 19:41-43</a></span><br />Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5-7</a></span><br />All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. / They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-27</a></span><br />A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest. / So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!</p><p class="hdg">Oh that I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-6.htm">Proverbs 25:6</a></b></br> Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great <i>men</i>:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/14-9.htm">Luke 14:9-11</a></b></br> And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room… </p><p class="hdg">I would do</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/27-2.htm">Proverbs 27:2</a></b></br> Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">2 Peter 2:19</a></b></br> While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-10.htm">Add</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-10.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/joshua/20-4.htm">Case</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-16.htm">Complaint</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-2.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-13.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-17.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-15.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-2.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-27.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-8.htm">Plea</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-11.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-2.htm">Suit</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/15-5.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">Ab'salom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-13.htm">Add</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-15.htm">Appoint</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-14.htm">Appointed</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-22.htm">Case</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/job/7-13.htm">Complaint</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/19-10.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-14.htm">Decision</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-17.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-27.htm">Judge</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">Justice</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">Moreover</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-28.htm">Plea</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-6.htm">Right</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-3.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/job/11-19.htm">Suit</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-7.htm">By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">He makes there a great conspiracy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-13.htm">David upon the news flees from Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">Ittai will leave him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-24.htm">Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark</a></span><br><span class="reftext">30. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">He curses Ahithophel's counsel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">Hushai is sent back with instructions</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And he would add,</b><br>This phrase introduces Absalom's manipulative strategy to gain favor with the people of Israel. Absalom, the son of King David, is speaking to those who come to seek justice. His words are part of a larger scheme to undermine his father's authority and position himself as a more accessible and just leader. This reflects the cunning and ambition that characterize Absalom's rebellion against David.<p><b>“If only someone would appoint me judge in the land,</b><br>Absalom expresses a desire to be appointed as a judge, which implies a position of authority and influence. In ancient Israel, judges were leaders who resolved disputes and maintained order. By suggesting that he should be appointed, Absalom is subtly criticizing the current administration and presenting himself as a better alternative. This reflects the political maneuvering common in monarchies, where power struggles often involved family members.<p><b>then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me,</b><br>Absalom promises accessibility and fairness, appealing to those who feel neglected or wronged by the current system. This statement highlights the importance of justice in Israelite society, where disputes were often settled at the city gates by elders or appointed judges. Absalom's promise to be available to all suggests a populist approach, aiming to win the hearts of the people by addressing their needs directly.<p><b>and I would give him justice.”</b><br>Absalom's claim to provide justice implies that the current system under King David is inadequate. This assertion is a direct challenge to David's rule, suggesting that Absalom could do better. The promise of justice is a powerful tool in gaining public support, as it resonates with the people's desire for fairness and righteousness. This mirrors the biblical theme of justice as a divine attribute, seen in passages like <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, where God requires His people to act justly. Absalom's words also foreshadow his eventual rebellion, as he seeks to usurp his father's throne by presenting himself as a champion of the people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a></b><br>The third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and charismatic personality. He harbored resentment against his father and sought to usurp the throne of Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The reigning king of Israel at the time, chosen by God, and known for his heart after God. He faced challenges both from within his family and from external enemies.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The capital city of Israel, where King David reigned and where Absalom began his conspiracy to take over the kingdom.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_gate.htm">The Gate</a></b><br>A place in ancient cities where legal matters were often settled, and where Absalom positioned himself to win the favor of the people by promising justice.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of Israel, who were under the rule of King David but were being swayed by Absalom's promises of justice and better leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_ambition.htm">The Dangers of Ambition</a></b><br>Absalom's desire for power led him to manipulate and deceive. Ambition, when not aligned with God's will, can lead to destructive outcomes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_justice.htm">The Importance of Justice</a></b><br>Absalom's promise to deliver justice highlights a genuine need among the people. As Christians, we are called to seek justice and righteousness in our communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_deception.htm">Guarding Against Deception</a></b><br>Absalom's charm and promises were deceitful. Believers must be discerning and seek truth in leadership and counsel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_unresolved_conflict.htm">The Consequences of Unresolved Conflict</a></b><br>Absalom's rebellion was partly fueled by unresolved issues with his father, David. Addressing conflicts biblically is crucial to prevent bitterness and division.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite Absalom's rebellion, God's plan for David's kingship prevailed. Trusting in God's sovereignty provides peace amidst turmoil.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_key_events_in_1_samuel.htm">What are the key events in 1 Samuel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_absalom_in_history_bible.htm">Who is Absalom in historical or biblical context?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_sedition.htm">What is the Bible's stance on sedition?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_democracy_aligned_with_christianity.htm">Is democracy inherently aligned with Christian principles?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/15-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And [he]</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> </span><span class="str2">Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">would add,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“If only</span><br /><span class="heb">מִי־</span> <span class="translit">(mî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">someone would appoint</span><br /><span class="heb">יְשִׂמֵ֥נִי</span> <span class="translit">(yə·śi·mê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me judge</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁפֵ֖ט</span> <span class="translit">(šō·p̄êṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8199.htm">Strong's 8199: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, pronounce sentence, to vindicate, punish, to govern, to litigate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the land,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּאָ֑רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(bā·’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">then everyone</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶֽׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a grievance</span><br /><span class="heb">רִ֥יב</span> <span class="translit">(rîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strife, dispute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or dispute</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִשְׁפָּ֖ט</span> <span class="translit">(ū·miš·pāṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> </span><span class="str2">A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style</span><br /><br /><span class="word">could come</span><br /><span class="heb">יָב֥וֹא</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḇō·w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעָלַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ā·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and I would give him justice.”</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִצְדַּקְתִּֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hiṣ·daq·tîw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6663.htm">Strong's 6663: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be just or righteous</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/15-4.htm">2 Samuel 15:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 15:4 Absalom said moreover Oh that I were (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 15:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 15:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/15-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 15:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 15:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>