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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 15:2 He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, "What city are you from?" And if he replied, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/15-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/10_2Sa_15_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 15:2 - Absalom's Conspiracy" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, What city are you from? And if he replied, Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel," /><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/15-2.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/15-2.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 2</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="/ad2.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/15-1.htm" title="2 Samuel 15:1">◄</a> 2 Samuel 15:2 <a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm" title="2 Samuel 15:3">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/15.htm">New International Version</a> He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, &#8220What town are you from?&#8221 He would answer, &#8220Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/15.htm">New Living Translation</a> He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where in Israel they were from, and they would tell him their tribe. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/15.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And when he said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,” <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/15.htm">King James Bible</a> And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/15.htm">New King James Version</a> Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, “What city are you from?” And he would say, “Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel.” <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the road to the gate; and when any man who had a lawsuit was to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call out to him and say, “From what city are you?” And he would say, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way to the gate; and when any man had a suit to come to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, &#8220From what city are you?&#8221 And he would say, &#8220Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way to the gate; and it happened that when any man had a suit to come to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And he would say, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way to the gate; and when any man had a case to come to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And he would say, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” <a href="/amp/2_samuel/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He would get up early and stand beside the road to the gate [of the city, where court was held]; and when any man who had a dispute came to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him, “From what city are you?” And he would say, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” <a href="/csb/2_samuel/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for settlement, Absalom called out to him and asked, “What city are you from? ” If he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for settlement, Absalom called out to him and asked, &#8220What city are you from?&#8221 If he replied, &#8220Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,&#8221 <a href="/asv/2_samuel/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that, when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. <a href="/cev/2_samuel/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He would get up early each morning and wait by the side of the road that led to the city gate. Anyone who had a complaint to bring to King David would have to go that way, and Absalom would ask each of them, "Where are you from?" If they said, "I'm from a tribe in the north," <a href="/erv/2_samuel/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Absalom used to get up early and stand by the road leading to the city gate. When anyone had a case to be tried by King David, Absalom would ask, "Which city are you from?" After the person had told him which tribe in Israel he was from, <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> He would get up early and go and stand by the road at the city gate. Whenever someone came there with a dispute that he wanted the king to settle, Absalom would call him over and ask him where he was from. And after the man had told him what tribe he was from, <a href="/isv/2_samuel/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then he would get up early, stand near the passageway to the palace gate, and when anyone arrived to file a legal complaint for a hearing before the king, Absalom would call to him and ask, "You're from what city?" If he replied, "Your servant is from one of Israel's tribes," <a href="/msb/2_samuel/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, ?What city are you from?? And if he replied, ?Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,? <a href="/net/2_samuel/15.htm">NET Bible</a> Now Absalom used to get up early and stand beside the road that led to the city gate. Whenever anyone came by who had a complaint to bring to the king for arbitration, Absalom would call out to him, "What city are you from?" The person would answer, "I, your servant, am from one of the tribes of Israel." <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And Absalom used to get up early and stand beside the road. Then when anyone had a dispute which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom would call out to him and say, "What city are you from?" When he said, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel," <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Absalom rose early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is one of the tribes of Israel. <a href="/web/2_samuel/15.htm">World English Bible</a> Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate. When any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, “What city are you from?” He said, “Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and Absalom has risen early, and stood by the side of the way of the gate, and it comes to pass, every man who has a pleading to come to the king for judgment, that Absalom calls to him and says, “Of what city [are] you?” And he says, “Your servant [is] of one of the tribes of Israel.” <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Absalom hath risen early, and stood by the side of the way of the gate, and it cometh to pass, every man who hath a pleading to come unto the king for judgment, that Absalom calleth unto him, and saith, 'Of what city art thou?' and he saith, 'Of one of the tribes of Israel is thy servant.' <a href="/slt/2_samuel/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Absalom rose early and stood by the hand of the way of the gate: and it will be every man which shall be to him strife coming to the king for judgment, and Absalom will call to him and say, Where, from what city thou? And he will say, of one of the tribes of Israel is thy servant.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Absalom rising up early stood by the entrance of the gate, and when any man had business to come to the king's judgment, Absalom called him to him, and said: Of what city art thou? He answered, and said: Thy servant is of such a tribe of Israel. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And rising up in the morning, Absalom was standing beside the entrance of the gate. And when there was any man who had a dispute that might go before the king’s judgment, Absalom would call him to him, and would say, “Which city are you from?” And responding, he would say, “I am your servant, from a certain tribe of Israel.” <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/15.htm">New American Bible</a> Moreover, Absalom used to rise early and stand alongside the road leading to the gate. If someone had a lawsuit to be decided by the king, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And when he replied, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe of Israel,” <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the road into the gate; and when anyone brought a suit before the king for judgment, Absalom would call out and say, “From what city are you?” When the person said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Absalom rose up early and stood beside the king's gate; and it was so that when any man had a case to be tried before the king, then Absalom called him to him, and said, Of what city are you? And he said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Abishlum was rising early and was standing at the side of the gate of the King, and every man who had a judgment to judge before the King, Abishlum was calling him to himself and he said to him: “From which city are you?” He said to him: “I am your Servant from one of the tribes of Israel”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Absalom used to rise up early, and stand beside the way of the gate; and it was so, that when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said: 'Of what city art thou?' And he said: 'Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.' <a href="/sep/2_samuel/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Abessalom rose early, and stood by the side of the way of the gate: and it came to pass that every man who had a cause, came to the king for judgment, and Abessalom cried to him, and said to him, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/15-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=4058" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/15.htm">Absalom's Conspiracy</a> 1Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. 2<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.">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/7925.htm" title="7925: wə·hiš·kîm (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; but used only as denominative from shkem; literally, to load up, i.e. To start early in the morning.">would get up early</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: wə·‘ā·maḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">and stand</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">beside</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the road</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: haš·šā·‘ar (Art:: N-ms) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">leading to the city gate.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Whenever</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.">anyone</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: hā·’îš (Art:: 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."></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.">had</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/935.htm" title="935: lā·ḇō·w (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">to bring</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/4941.htm" title="4941: lam·miš·pāṭ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Judgment. ">for a decision,</a> <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.">Absalom</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: way·yiq·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">would call out</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></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.">and ask,</a> <a href="/hebrew/335.htm" title="335: ’ê- (Interrog) -- Where?. Perhaps from 'aiyn; where? Hence how?.">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: miz·zeh (Prep-m:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘îr (N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">city</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">are you from?”</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.">And if he replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·de·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">“Your servant is</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: mê·’a·ḥaḏ (Prep-m:: Number-msc) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">from one</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: šiḇ·ṭê- (N-mpc) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">of the tribes</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,”</a> 3Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">2 Samuel 14:25-27</a> Now there was not a man in all Israel as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw. / And when he cut the hair of his head—he shaved it every year because his hair got so heavy—he would weigh it out to be two hundred shekels, according to the royal standard. / Three sons were born to Absalom, and a daughter named Tamar, who was a beautiful woman. <a href="/1_kings/1-5.htm">1 Kings 1:5-10</a> 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. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.) / So Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, who supported him. ... <a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27</a> When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. <a href="/2_samuel/18-9.htm">2 Samuel 18:9-15</a> Now Absalom was riding on his mule when he met the servants of David, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so that he was suspended in midair. / When one of the men saw this, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!” / “You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!” ... <a href="/2_samuel/16-15.htm">2 Samuel 16:15-23</a> Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. / And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” / “Is this the loyalty you show your friend?” Absalom replied. “Why did you not go with your friend?” ... <a href="/1_samuel/8-3.htm">1 Samuel 8:3-5</a> But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice. / So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. / “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.” <a href="/1_samuel/15-12.htm">1 Samuel 15:12</a> Early in the morning Samuel got up to confront Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel, and behold, he has set up a monument for himself and has turned and gone down to Gilgal.” <a href="/1_kings/12-1.htm">1 Kings 12:1-20</a> Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. / When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since. / So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, ... <a href="/2_samuel/19-9.htm">2 Samuel 19:9-10</a> 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?” <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">2 Samuel 20:1-2</a> Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” / So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. <a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5-7</a> 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. <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-27</a> 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. ... <a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42-45</a> So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. ... <a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a> But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ... <a href="/john/12-43.htm">John 12:43</a> For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, Of what city are you? And he said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.rose up<a href="/job/24-14.htm">Job 24:14</a> The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief.<a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm">Proverbs 4:16</a> For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.<a href="/matthew/27-1.htm">Matthew 27:1</a> When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:came [heb] to come<a href="/exodus/18-14.htm">Exodus 18:14,16,16</a> And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even? … <a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">1 Kings 3:16-28</a> Then came there two women, that were harlots, unto the king, and stood before him… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-30.htm">City</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-11.htm">Early</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-23.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-25.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-15.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-29.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-22.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-28.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-31.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/judges/17-10.htm">Suit</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-7.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-26.htm">Used</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-34.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm">Absalom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-12.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-22.htm">Early</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">Judgment</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-32.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-9.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-8.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-17.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-4.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-4.htm">Suit</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">Used</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-6.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 15</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, steals the hearts of Israel.</a> 7. <a href="/2_samuel/15-7.htm">By pretense of a vow, he obtains leave to go to Hebron</a> 10. <a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">He makes there a great conspiracy</a> 13. <a href="/2_samuel/15-13.htm">David upon the news flees from Jerusalem</a> 19. <a href="/2_samuel/15-19.htm">Ittai will leave him</a> 24. <a href="/2_samuel/15-24.htm">Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark</a> 30. <a href="/2_samuel/15-30.htm">David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping,</a> 31. <a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">He curses Ahithophel's counsel</a> 32. <a href="/2_samuel/15-32.htm">Hushai is sent back with instructions</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Absalom's actions demonstrate his ambition and strategic planning. Rising early signifies diligence and a desire to be the first to influence those seeking justice. The city gate was a central place for legal matters and public affairs in ancient Israel, serving as a courtroom and a hub for community interaction (<a href="/deuteronomy/21-19.htm">Deuteronomy 21:19</a>, <a href="/ruth/4.htm">Ruth 4:1</a>). By positioning himself here, Absalom aimed to intercept those seeking the king's judgment, subtly undermining King David's authority.Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, This phrase highlights the judicial role of the king in ancient Israel. The king was expected to be a just ruler, providing decisions on disputes and grievances (<a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">1 Kings 3:16-28</a>). Absalom's actions suggest dissatisfaction with the current administration, exploiting any perceived inefficiencies in David's governance to gain favor with the people.Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” Absalom's inquiry about the city of origin was a tactic to personalize his interaction, making each person feel recognized and important. This approach helped him to build rapport and gather support from various regions, subtly sowing seeds of division by emphasizing tribal affiliations. It reflects a political maneuver to create a sense of connection and loyalty among the tribes of Israel.And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” The response indicates the diverse representation of the tribes coming to seek justice, underscoring the unity and complexity of the nation of Israel. Absalom's reference to the tribes taps into the tribal identity and loyalty, which were significant in Israel's social and political structure (<a href="/joshua/24.htm">Joshua 24:1-28</a>). By addressing individuals as "your servant," Absalom positions himself as a servant leader, contrasting himself with the perceived remoteness of King David, and appealing to the people's desire for accessible leadership.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/absalom.htm">Absalom</a> The third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and charismatic personality. He is a central figure in this passage, as he begins to undermine his father's authority. 2. <a href="/topical/c/city_gate.htm">City Gate</a> In ancient Israel, the city gate was a place of legal and civic activity. It was where elders and leaders would gather to hear disputes and make judgments. 3. <a href="/topical/k/king_david.htm">King David</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the reigning king of Israel at the time. Absalom's actions are a direct challenge to his authority. 4. <a href="/topical/t/tribes_of_israel.htm">Tribes of Israel</a> The people coming to the city gate represent the various tribes of Israel, indicating the widespread nature of Absalom's influence. 5. <a href="/topical/j/judgment.htm">Judgment</a> The legal process by which disputes were resolved, typically overseen by the king or appointed judges.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_subtlety_of_rebellion.htm">The Subtlety of Rebellion</a> Absalom's actions at the city gate illustrate how rebellion often begins subtly. He positions himself as a friend to the people, slowly undermining the king's authority. Believers should be wary of subtle influences that lead away from God's established order. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_discernment.htm">The Importance of Discernment</a> Absalom's charm and apparent concern for justice could easily deceive those seeking help. Christians are called to exercise discernment, ensuring that leaders and influencers align with biblical principles. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_unresolved_conflict.htm">The Consequences of Unresolved Conflict</a> Absalom's rebellion is rooted in unresolved issues with his father, David. This highlights the importance of addressing conflicts and grievances in a timely and biblical manner to prevent bitterness and division. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_pride.htm">Guarding Against Pride</a> Absalom's desire for power and recognition is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. Believers are reminded to cultivate humility and seek God's glory above their own.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 15</a> <a href="/q/does_2_samuel_15_align_chronologically.htm">Does the timeline in 2 Samuel 15 align with other biblical accounts, or does it create chronological contradictions?</a> <a href="/q/any_non-biblical_proof_of_absalom's_plot.htm">Are there extra-biblical or archaeological records confirming Absalom's conspiracy as detailed in 2 Samuel 15?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_absalom_sway_israel_against_david.htm">How could Absalom have turned the hearts of all Israel against David so quickly (2 Samuel 15:6, 13)? </a> <a href="/q/how_did_david_regain_credibility_post-revolt.htm">How could David’s leadership remain credible after Absalom’s revolt if so many suddenly switched allegiance back, as stated in 2 Samuel 19:14?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_samuel/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - The way of the gate. The gate would be that of the royal palace, where the king gave audience and administered justice. At the gate of the city the elders were the judges, and, though the higher authority of the king may have weakened the action of this citizen court, yet passages such as Isaiah 50:23 and <a href="/jeremiah/5-28.htm">Jeremiah 5:28</a> imply, not only its continued existence, but also that it retained much importance. Probably all causes between citizens were tried by it, just as causes in the country were tried by the mishpachah (see note on 2 Samuel 14:7); but with an appeal in weighty matters to the king. It is a mistake to suppose that David altogether neglected his judicial functions. On the contrary, the woman of Tekoah obtained an audience, as a matter of course; and Absalom would not have risen up thus early unless David had also taken his seat in the early morning on the royal divan to administer justice. It was the suitors on their way to the king whom Absalom accosted, and made believe that he would be more assiduous in his duties than his father, and that he would have decided every suit in favour of the person to whom he was talking, whereas really one side alone can gain the cause. Still, we may well believe that, guilty himself of adultery and murder, and with his two eider sons stained with such terrible crimes, David's administration of justice had become half hearted. And thus his sin again found him out, and brought stern punishment. For Absalom used this weakness against his father, and, intercepting the suitors on their way, would ask their city and tribe, and listen to their complaint, and assure them of the goodness of their cause, and lament that, as the king could not hear all causes easily himself, he did not appoint others to aid him in his duties. It was delay and procrastination of which Absalom complained; and as many of the litigants had probably come day after day, and not succeeded in getting a hearing, they were already in ill humour and prepared to find fault. Now, as David possessed great powers of organization, we may well believe that he would have taken measures for the adequate administration of law had it not been for the moral malady which enfeebled his will. In the appointment of Jehoshaphat and Seraiah (<a href="/2_samuel/8-16.htm">2 Samuel 8:16, 17</a>) he had made a beginning, but soon his hands grew feeble, and he did no more. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/15-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>He אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites would get up early וְהִשְׁכִּים֙ (wə·hiš·kîm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7925.htm">Strong's 7925: </a> To load up, to start early in the morning and stand וְעָמַ֕ד (wə·‘ā·maḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations beside עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the road דֶּ֣רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action leading to the city gate. הַשָּׁ֑עַר (haš·šā·‘ar) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate Whenever anyone כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every had וַיְהִ֡י (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a grievance רִיב֩ (rîḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> Strife, dispute to bring לָב֨וֹא (lā·ḇō·w) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go before אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the king הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king for a decision, לַמִּשְׁפָּ֗ט (lam·miš·pāṭ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4941.htm">Strong's 4941: </a> A verdict, a sentence, formal decree, divine law, penalty, justice, privilege, style Absalom אַבְשָׁל֤וֹם (’aḇ·šā·lō·wm) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_53.htm">Strong's 53: </a> Absalom -- 'my father is peace', two Israelites would call out וַיִּקְרָ֨א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read and ask, וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “What אֵֽי־ (’ê-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_335.htm">Strong's 335: </a> Where?, how? city עִיר֙ (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement are you from?” אַ֔תָּה (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you And if he replied, וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Your servant [is] עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃ (‘aḇ·de·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant from one מֵאַחַ֥ד (mê·’a·ḥaḏ) Preposition-m | Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> United, one, first of the tribes שִׁבְטֵֽי־ (šiḇ·ṭê-) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7626.htm">Strong's 7626: </a> Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe of Israel,” יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/15-2.htm">2 Samuel 15:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-2.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 15:2 Absalom rose up early and stood beside (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 15:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 15:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/15-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 15:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 15:3" /></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>