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.

2 SAMUEL 15:2KJV
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2 Samuel 15:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 15:2 mean?

2 Samuel 15:2 describes how Absalom would get up early and stand by the city gate, where people came with disputes for the king to judge. Absalom would approach anyone coming for judgment, ask where they were from, and engage them before they saw the king.

This verse shows Absalom positioning himself at a key public place to meet Israelites seeking justice from King David. By greeting people and asking about their city and tribe, Absalom was making personal connections and inserting himself into the process of judgment, setting the stage for his later attempt to win the people's loyalty.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 15:2

  • "Early" (שָׁכַם, shakham) means to rise early in the morning. The detail that Absalom rose early suggests eagerness and effort, showing he was intentional and proactive in his actions.
  • "Gate" (שַׁעַר, sha'ar) refers to the city gate, which in ancient Israel was the main place for legal matters and public business. Absalom’s choice to stand here shows he wanted to be seen and to intercept those seeking justice.
  • "Controversy" (רִיב, riv) means a legal dispute or case. This word highlights that people coming to the gate were seeking fair judgment, not just casual conversation.
  • "Judgment" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) is the Hebrew word for a legal decision or justice. Absalom was inserting himself into the official process meant for the king, hinting at his ambition to influence or replace David’s authority.

Why 2 Samuel 15:2 matters

  • This verse helps explain how Absalom began to undermine King David’s authority by winning over the people before they could present their cases to the king.
  • The mention of the gate and legal disputes shows Absalom was targeting a place where trust in leadership was most visible and important, making his actions more strategic.
  • Understanding this verse clarifies the context for Absalom’s rebellion later in the chapter, showing that his actions were planned and deliberate rather than impulsive.

Where else these words appear

“what” Hebrew H335 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
  • 1 Kings 22:24 But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?
  • Proverbs 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

“controversy” Hebrew H7379 · used in 61 verses

  • Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
  • Job 31:35 Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book.
  • Proverbs 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

“early” Hebrew H7925 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Judges 6:38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:15 And the LORD God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:

“Absalom” Hebrew H53 · used in 92 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • 2 Samuel 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
  • 2 Samuel 17:18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.