And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

2 SAMUEL 15:3KJV
Know the Bible

2 Samuel 15:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 15:3 mean?

2 Samuel 15:3 describes how Absalom tells a person coming to the king for judgment that their case is good and right, but claims that there is no one appointed by the king to listen to them. Absalom is suggesting that the king is not providing justice, setting himself up as someone who cares more about the people's concerns.

Absalom is speaking to Israelites who have come to Jerusalem to have their disputes settled by King David. By saying this, Absalom is trying to win the people's loyalty by making them feel neglected by David and hinting that he would do better. This verse shows the beginning of Absalom’s strategy to undermine his father’s authority and gain support for his own rebellion.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 15:3

  • "matters" (דָּבָר, davar): This word means "word," "matter," or "case." Here, it refers to the legal cases or disputes people brought to the king for judgment. Absalom is focusing on the personal concerns of each person.
  • "good" (טוֹב, tov): This word means "good" or "pleasing." Absalom flatters the people by telling them their case is good, making them feel validated.
  • "right" (נָכוֹן, nakhon): This word means "right," "just," or "proper." Absalom is not just saying their case is good, but also that it is just—again, appealing to their sense of fairness.
  • "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melekh): The use of this word highlights that Absalom is pointing to the king’s (David’s) responsibility, subtly criticizing his leadership.
  • "hear" (שָׁמַע, shama): This word means "to hear" or "to listen." Absalom claims there is no one to listen, suggesting a lack of justice or attention from the king.

Why 2 Samuel 15:3 matters

  • This verse shows how Absalom uses flattery and manipulation to turn the people’s hearts away from David, which is key to understanding the coming rebellion.
  • The verse highlights a gap between the king and his people, whether real or exaggerated by Absalom, which he uses to his advantage.
  • It helps explain why many Israelites were later willing to support Absalom against David, since he made them feel heard and valued.

Where else these words appear

“right” Hebrew H5228 · used in 4 verses

  • Proverbs 8:9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
  • Proverbs 24:26 Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
  • Isaiah 57:2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

“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.