How does Absalom's behavior in 2 Samuel 15:2 reveal his intentions?

• Absalom “would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate” (2 Samuel 15:2).

– Rising early shows calculated diligence; he is not casually present but intentionally positioning himself where justice is sought.

– The city gate is the hub of civil judgment (cf. Ruth 4:1–2); by occupying that space, Absalom signals a desire to handle Israel’s legal matters himself.

• “Whenever a man had a dispute to bring before the king for judgment, Absalom would call out to him” (v. 2).

– He inserts himself before the petitioner can reach David, interposing his own authority.

– By initiating the greeting, he projects availability and concern, contrasting himself with David’s perceived distance.

• “‘What city are you from?’” (v. 2).

– Personal inquiry fosters rapport and suggests he cares about every tribe.

– His broad appeal hints at national rather than merely regional ambition.

• Verses 3–6 (immediately following) expose the motive behind the verse-2 behavior:

– He claims the king has no deputy to hear cases (v. 3), subtly discrediting David.

– He wishes he were appointed judge so “every man with a grievance could come to me, and I would give him justice” (v. 4).

– He flatters and kisses petitioners (v. 5), “stealing the hearts of the men of Israel” (v. 6).

• Scripture repeatedly links such behavior with deceitful ambition:

– Proverbs 26:24-26 warns that “a malicious man disguises himself with his lips.”

– Psalm 55:21 laments, “His words are as smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart.”

– James 3:14-16 distinguishes “selfish ambition” from heavenly wisdom.

• In summary, Absalom’s actions in 2 Samuel 15:2 reveal:

– A strategic quest for political power.

– A deliberate undermining of King David’s authority.

– A manipulative effort to cultivate nationwide loyalty by posing as the people’s advocate.