Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

2 SAMUEL 15:4KJV
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2 Samuel 15:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 15:4 mean?

2 Samuel 15:4 shows Absalom wishing he could be appointed as a judge in Israel so that anyone with a dispute or legal case could come to him, and he would make sure they received justice. Absalom is presenting himself as someone who cares deeply about fairness and the needs of the people.

In this verse, Absalom is speaking publicly as part of his plan to win the hearts of the people away from his father, King David. The setting is Jerusalem, where Absalom stands at the city gate, meeting those who come with legal issues. By saying he would do justice for everyone, Absalom is trying to show he would be a better, more attentive leader than the current king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 15:4

  • "Judge" (שָׁפַט, shāfat): This word means to decide, govern, or rule in legal matters. Absalom is not just asking to settle arguments but to have real authority over justice in the land.
  • "Justice" (צָדַק, tsādaq): This word means to be just or righteous, often in a legal sense. Absalom is promising not just decisions, but truly fair and right outcomes, appealing to people who may feel overlooked or wronged.

Why 2 Samuel 15:4 matters

  • This verse helps explain how Absalom gained popularity and support for his rebellion against David—by promising justice and attention to ordinary people’s problems.
  • The verse highlights a gap between the people and the king’s court, suggesting some felt their cases were not being heard or judged fairly.
  • Understanding Absalom’s words here clarifies his strategy: he is using the promise of justice to undermine David’s authority and win loyalty for himself.

Where else these words appear

“justice” Hebrew H6663 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 38:26 And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more.
  • Job 15:14 What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
  • Psalms 143:2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

“suit” 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.

“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.