Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. In this wayThis phrase sets the stage for the methodical and deliberate actions of Absalom. The Hebrew root here implies a strategic and calculated approach. Absalom's actions were not impulsive but rather a well-thought-out plan to win the favor of the people. This reflects the cunning nature of Absalom's rebellion, highlighting the importance of intentions and methods in leadership and influence. Absalom
Absalom, whose name means "father of peace" in Hebrew, ironically becomes a figure of division and conflict. His life is a study in contrasts, as he is both a beloved son and a rebellious usurper. Absalom's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of undermining God-ordained authority. stole
The Hebrew word used here conveys the idea of deception and stealth. Absalom's actions were not overtly aggressive but rather subtle and manipulative. This word choice underscores the deceitful nature of his campaign to win the people's loyalty, reminding us of the importance of integrity and honesty in our interactions with others. the hearts
In Hebrew culture, the heart is the center of emotion, will, and intellect. Absalom's ability to "steal the hearts" of the people indicates a deep level of influence and persuasion. This phrase highlights the power of charisma and personal appeal, as well as the vulnerability of people to be swayed by appearances rather than truth. of the men of Israel
This phrase emphasizes the scope of Absalom's influence, reaching across the nation of Israel. It reflects the widespread discontent and the susceptibility of the people to be led astray. Historically, this period was marked by political instability, making the people more open to Absalom's promises of change. It serves as a reminder of the need for discernment and faithfulness to God's chosen leaders. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe third son of King David, known for his handsome appearance and charismatic personality. He is central to this passage as he seeks to undermine his father, King David, and gain the loyalty of the Israelites. 2. King DavidThe reigning king of Israel at the time, known for his heart after God but also for his personal and familial struggles. He is the one whose authority and judgment Absalom is attempting to subvert. 3. The IsraelitesThe people of Israel who are seeking justice and judgment from their king. They become the target of Absalom's manipulative tactics. 4. JerusalemThe capital city of Israel and the location where King David's court is established. It is the political and spiritual center of Israel during this time. 5. The GateThe place where Absalom positioned himself to intercept those coming to seek judgment from King David. In ancient cities, the gate was a place of legal and civic activity. Teaching Points Guarding Against ManipulationAbsalom's actions remind us of the importance of discernment and guarding our hearts against those who seek to manipulate us for their own gain. The Dangers of AmbitionAbsalom's ambition led him to undermine his father and king. We must be cautious of unchecked ambition that can lead to destructive behavior. The Power of InfluenceAbsalom's ability to "steal the hearts" of the people shows the power of influence. As Christians, we should use our influence to lead others toward truth and righteousness. The Consequences of BetrayalBetrayal can have devastating effects on relationships and communities. We should strive to be loyal and trustworthy in our dealings with others. Seeking Godly WisdomIn seeking justice and judgment, the Israelites were misled by Absalom. We should seek godly wisdom and counsel in our decisions and judgments. Bible Study Questions 1. How did Absalom's actions at the gate reflect his character and intentions? How can we identify similar behaviors in our own lives or communities? 2. In what ways can unchecked ambition lead to destructive outcomes, and how can we guard against this in our personal and professional lives? 3. How does Absalom's ability to "steal the hearts" of the Israelites highlight the importance of discernment in whom we choose to follow or support? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced or witnessed betrayal. How did it affect your relationships, and what biblical principles can help in healing and restoration? 5. How can we ensure that our influence on others is positive and aligns with biblical values, especially in leadership roles? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Samuel 14Provides background on Absalom's return to Jerusalem and his reconciliation with David, setting the stage for his later actions. Psalm 55David laments betrayal by a close friend, which can be seen as reflective of Absalom's betrayal. Proverbs 4:23Emphasizes guarding one's heart, which contrasts with how Absalom "stole the hearts" of the people. James 3:16Discusses the disorder and evil practices that arise from envy and selfish ambition, paralleling Absalom's motives. People Abiathar, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Aram, Arkite, Cherethites, David, Gittites, Hushai, Israelites, Ittai, Jonathan, Kerethites, Levites, Pelethites, ZadokPlaces Aram, Gath, Geshur, Giloh, Hebron, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mount of OlivesTopics Absalom, Ab'salom, Asking, Behaved, Cause, Dealt, Heart, Hearts, Israelites, Judged, Judgment, Justice, Manner, Stealeth, Stole, Thief, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:6 5555 stealing
5746 youth 2 Samuel 15:1-6 5554 status
5804 charm
5919 popularity 2 Samuel 15:1-13 5937 rivalry 2 Samuel 15:2-6 5863 flattery Library A Loyal Vow
'And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 15. We stand here at the darkest hour of King David's life. Bowed down by the consciousness of his past sin, and recognising in the rebellion of his favourite son the divine chastisement, his early courage and buoyant daring seem to have ebbed from him wholly. He is forsaken by the mass of his subjects, he is preparing to abandon Jerusalem, and to flee as an …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureIttai of Gath
'And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 21. It was the darkest hour in David's life. No more pathetic page is found in the Old Testament than that which tells the story of his flight before Absalom. He is crushed by the consciousness that his punishment is deserved--the bitter fruit of the sin that filled all his later life …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Pardoned Sin Punished
'And It came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2. 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. 3. And Absalom said unto him. See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Loyal to the Core
On the other hand, look at Ittai, perfectly free to go, but in order to end the controversy once for all, and to make David know that he does not mean to leave him, he takes a solemn oath before Jehovah his God, and he doubles it by swearing by the life of David that he will never leave him; in life, in death, he will be with him. He has cast in his lot with him for better and for worse, and he means to be faithful to the end. Old Master Trapp says, "All faithful friends went on a pilgrimage years …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880 Following Christ
"And Ittai answered the king, and said, as the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be."--2 Samuel 15:21. SOME men have a very remarkable power of creating and sustaining friendship in others. David was a man brimming over with affection--a man, notwithstanding all his rough soldier-life, of an exceedingly tender heart--a man, I was about to say--the word was on my tongue--a man of vast …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916 The Will of God
"Here am I, let Him do to me as seemeth good unto Him."--2 Sam. xv. 26. G. Ter Steegen. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Thou sweet beloved Will of God, My anchor ground, my fortress hill, The Spirit's silent fair abode, In Thee I hide me and am still. O Will, that willest good alone, Lead Thou the way, Thou guidest best; A silent child, I follow on, And trusting, lean upon Thy Breast. God's Will doth make the bitter sweet, And all is well when it is done; Unless His Will doth hallow it, The glory …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) A Light to Lighten the Gentiles
P. G. 2 Sam. xv. 19-22; John xii. 26 "Wherefore goest thou with me?" Said the king disowned-- Said the king despised, rejected, Disenthroned. "Go, return unto thy place, To thy king of yore-- Here a pilgrim and a stranger, Nothing more. "Not for thee the cities fair, Hills of corn and wine-- All was portioned ere thou camest, Nought is thine. "Wandering forth where'er I may, Exiled from mine own, Shame, rejection I can grant thee; That alone. "Turn and take thy brethren back, With thy people …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ).
Thrice happy they who at Thy side, Thou Child of Nazareth, Have learnt to give their struggling pride Into Thy hands to death: If thus indeed we lay us low, Thou wilt exalt us o'er the foe; And let the exaltation be That we are lost in Thee. Let me say a little on a subject which, like the last, is one of some delicacy and difficulty, though its problems are of a very different kind. It is, the relation between the Curate and his Incumbent; or more particularly, the Curate's position and conduct …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 15:6 NIV2 Samuel 15:6 NLT2 Samuel 15:6 ESV2 Samuel 15:6 NASB2 Samuel 15:6 KJV
2 Samuel 15:6 Commentaries
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