15:1 a chariot with horses and fifty men Suggests that Absalom is laying claim to his father’s throne (compare 1 Sam 8:11; 1 Kgs 1:5)—a treasonous act since David is still alive.

15:2 Absalom used to rise early in the morning By doing so, he can intercept people who are bringing legal disputes to the king.

he stood beside the road at the gate The location where the Israelites conducted business and other legal matters.

15:3 there is no hearing with the king Absalom notes flaws in David’s administration in order to foster discontent against David among the people.

15:4 I would give him justice This was the prerogative of the king; Absalom is subtly indicating that he could be a better king than David is.

15:5 to do obeisance to him People paid homage to kings, not heirs.

take hold of him Absalom embraces his subjects as family.

15:6 stole the hearts of the people of Israel The Hebrew word used here, ganav, can refer to deceiving as well as to stealing (see Gen 31:20, 26). Both senses of the word work here: Absalom steals the people’s affections away from David by deception.

15:7 at the end of four years While the Hebrew text here literally reads “forty years,” this may be a scribal error. Some other ancient versions say “four years.” If the correct reference is four years, then these events take place two years after the events of 2 Sam 14.

let me go and pay my vow Absalom’s pious request hides his ulterior motives.

15:8 Geshur See 13:37–38; 14:23.

15:9 he got up and went to Hebron Recalls 2:1, 3.

15:11 Two hundred men from Jerusalem Probably men of prominence whom Absalom could manipulate into supporting his revolt. Absalom invites them to partake in the meal that will follow his sacrifices.

15:12 Ahithophel the Gilonite, the advisor of David His presence with Absalom lends credence to the prince’s claim to the throne (see v. 31). It is unclear whether Ahithophel is aware of Absalom’s rebellion, but his presence would indicate to the onlookers that he supports Absalom.

15:14 no escape for us from Absalom David feels that his only option is to flee, suggesting Absalom enlisted the support of the military as well. If this is the case, the scope of the conspiracy is larger than the narrative suggests (see v. 12).

with the edge of the sword David is convinced that if he remains in Jerusalem, Absalom will make war on the capital city. In order to protect his subjects, he flees and allows Absalom to peacefully occupy the throne.

15:16 all his household Includes rival claimants to the throne, whom Absalom would likely have killed.

to look after the house Indicates that concubines also served the practical function of looking after the household and tending to daily administrative tasks (see 3:7 and note). This act foreshadows the events of 16:20–22 and recalls the judgment of 12:11–12.

15:17 at the last house Probably located close to the city’s main gate.

15:18 the Kerethites and all of the Pelethites See 8:18 and note.

who had followed him from Gath See 1 Sam 27; 29.

15:19 Ittai the Gittite The commander of the Gittite mercenaries from 2 Sam 15:18.

15:20 Yesterday when you came A figure of speech meaning “recently.”

15:21 if for death or if for life The Philistines were usually archenemies of Israel, but this Philistine is more loyal than the members of David’s own household.

15:23 the Wadi Kidron Located east of Jerusalem, between the city and the Mount of Olives.

the wilderness Recalls David’s flight from Saul in 1 Sam 21–26.

15:24 Abiathar offered sacrifices See 2 Sam 8:17 and note.

15:25 Let the ark of God return The ark would have slowed David’s escape because it had to be handled in a specific, careful manner (see ch. 6).

15:28 to inform me The priests serve as David’s informants, something Absalom would not have expected (see v. 35). They will pass information along to their sons, who will be in contact with David (see 17:17).

15:30 with his head covered and going barefoot Signs of mourning.

15:31 Ahithophel was among the conspirators with Absalom See v. 12 and note.

frustrate the counsel of Ahithophel Yahweh answers this prayer in 17:14, 23.

15:32 Hushai the Arkite In answer to David’s prayer, another advisor who will frustrate Ahithophel’s advice to Absalom (see 17:5–14) appears immediately.