What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 15:4? And he would add Absalom had already stationed himself at the gate and begun ingratiating himself with the people (2 Samuel 15:1-3). The phrase shows he repeated this line, layering flattery upon flattery. • Continuous repetition works to soften resistance (Proverbs 26:24-25). • His “adding” to the conversation contrasts with David’s silence and restraint (Psalm 39:1). • The man after God’s own heart waits on the Lord; the usurper manufactures opportunity (Psalm 37:7-9). If only someone would appoint me judge in the land Absalom frames his ambition as a public service. He speaks as though the nation lacks leadership, ignoring that God had already given Israel a king—and that David was still on the throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16). • “Appoint me” reveals a grasping spirit, unlike Gideon who refused kingship, saying, “the LORD will rule over you” (Judges 8:22-23). • His wording recalls Israel’s earlier desire to replace the Lord’s arrangement with a human king (1 Samuel 8:5-7). • Scripture warns against craving positions of judgment for self-promotion (James 3:1; Matthew 23:6-7). Then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me He markets himself as universally accessible, implying David is detached. • Moses organized layers of judges so the needy were not neglected (Exodus 18:13-26; Deuteronomy 1:16-17); Absalom pretends that structure no longer exists. • True shepherds “know the flock” (Proverbs 27:23); false ones exploit it (Ezekiel 34:2-3). • His promise echoes later demagogues who “entice with sensual desires” and “empty words” (2 Peter 2:18). And I would give him justice Absalom promises immediate, favorable verdicts—exactly what every complainant longs to hear. • Only the Lord can guarantee perfectly righteous judgment (Psalm 9:7-8; Isaiah 11:3-4). • Earthly leaders must fear God and respect the law to judge rightly (2 Samuel 23:3-4; Micah 6:8). • Absalom’s vow is counterfeit; within a few verses he steals hearts, not restores justice (2 Samuel 15:5-6). summary Verse 4 exposes Absalom’s calculated campaign: persistent flattery, unbridled ambition, a show of accessibility, and empty promises of perfect justice. It warns God’s people to discern motives, refuse seductive shortcuts, and trust the Lord—the only righteous Judge—to raise up leaders in His timing and to vindicate every wrong. |
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