2 Samuel 15:4
2 Samuel 15:4 in Multiple Translations
And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.”
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!
Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
And more than this, Absalom said, If only I was made judge in the land, so that every man who has any cause or question might come to me, and I would give a right decision for him!
Then he would say, “If only there was someone to appoint me as judge for the country. Then everyone could come to me with their case or complaint, and I would give them justice.”
Absalom sayd moreouer, Oh that I were made Iudge in the lande, that euery man which hath any matter of controuersie, might come to me, that I might do him iustice.
And Absalom saith, 'Who doth make me a judge in the land, that unto me doth come every man who hath a plea and judgment? — then I have declared him righteous.'
Absalom said moreover, “Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!”
Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who hath any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!
O that they would make me judge over the land, that all that have business might come to me, that I might do them justice.
Absalom would then add, “I wish that I were a judge in this land. If I were a judge, anyone who had a dispute could come to me, and I would decide it fairly/justly.”
I should be the judge in this country. I am fair to everybody. I will treat everybody the same way. If somebody comes to me with a problem, I will sort it out for them.” That’s what Absalom used to say to the people.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 15:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 15:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
מִי
יְשִׂמֵ֥/נִי
שֹׁפֵ֖ט
בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ
וְ/עָלַ֗/י
יָב֥וֹא
כָּל
אִ֛ישׁ
אֲשֶֽׁר
יִהְיֶה
לּ/וֹ
רִ֥יב
וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
וְ/הִצְדַּקְתִּֽי/ו
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
Absalom
N-proper
מִי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יְשִׂמֵ֥/נִי
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
שֹׁפֵ֖ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal
בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
וְ/עָלַ֗/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep | Suff
יָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אֲשֶֽׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לּ/וֹ
Prep | Suff
רִ֥יב
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs
וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Conj | N-ms
וְ/הִצְדַּקְתִּֽי/ו
tsâdaq
H6663
to justify
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 15:4
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם
ʼĂbîyshâlôwm
H53
"Absalom"
N-proper
Absalom was a son of King David, mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:3, and had several half-brothers. He is also referred to as Abishalom in some translations. Absalom played a significant role in the United Monarchy period.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.3.3; son of: David (H1732) and Maacah (H4601I); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); father of: Tamar (H8559I); also called Abishalom at 1Ki.15.2,10; § Absalom or Abishalom = "my father is peace" 1) father-in-law of Rehoboam 2) third son of David, killer of first-born son Amnon, also leader of revolt against his father-David
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: Abishalom, Absalom. See also: 2 Samuel 3:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 3:1.
מִי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יְשִׂמֵ֥/נִי
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
שֹׁפֵ֖ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
בָּ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/עָלַ֗/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אִ֛ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֲשֶֽׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִהְיֶה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לּ/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
רִ֥יב
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
וּ/מִשְׁפָּ֖ט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Conj | N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
וְ/הִצְדַּקְתִּֽי/ו
tsâdaq
H6663
"to justify"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs | Suff
Refers to the act of making something right, either by justifying oneself or being declared righteous by God. It is used to describe God's justice and people's attempts to do what is right. This concept is key to understanding the Bible's teachings on sin and redemption.
Definition: 1) to be just, be righteous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to have a just cause, be in the right 1a2) to be justified 1a3) to be just (of God) 1a4) to be just, be righteous (in conduct and character) 1b) (Niphal) to be put or made right, be justified 1c) (Piel) justify, make to appear righteous, make someone righteous 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to do or bring justice (in administering law) 1d2) to declare righteous, justify 1d3) to justify, vindicate the cause of, save 1d4) to make righteous, turn to righteousness 1e) (Hithpael) to justify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: cleanse, clear self, (be, do) just(-ice, -ify, -ify self), (be turn to) righteous(-ness). See also: Genesis 38:26; Job 33:32; Psalms 19:10.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 15:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Absalom’s Conspiracy
2He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,”
3Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.”
4And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.”
5Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. 6Absalom 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 9:29 | If only this people were under my authority, I would remove Abimelech; I would say to him, ‘Muster your army and come out!’” |
| 2 | Judges 9:1–5 | Now Abimelech son of Jerubbaal went to his mother’s brothers at Shechem and said to them and to all the clan of his mother, “Please ask all the leaders of Shechem, ‘Is it better for you that seventy men, all the sons of Jerubbaal, rule over you, or just one man?’ Remember that I am your own flesh and blood.” And when his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the presence of all the leaders of Shechem, their hearts were inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.” So they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired some worthless and reckless men to follow him. He went to his father’s house in Ophrah, and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal. But Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, survived, because he hid himself. |
| 3 | Proverbs 27:2 | Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 2:19 | They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. |
| 5 | Proverbs 25:6 | Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; |
| 6 | Luke 14:8–11 | “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited. Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
2 Samuel 15:4 Summary
In 2 Samuel 15:4, Absalom is trying to trick the people into thinking he cares about their problems and wants to help them, but really he just wants to be in charge. He's saying that if he were the judge, he would make sure everyone gets a fair hearing, but this is just a way to get people to like him and trust him, as seen in the context of 2 Samuel 15:1-6. This is similar to how Satan tries to deceive us, as warned in Genesis 3:1-5. We should be careful not to fall for tricks like this and instead look to God's Word for guidance, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-6, and remember that true justice comes from God, as seen in Proverbs 29:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Absalom's strategy in 2 Samuel 15:4?
Absalom's strategy was to present himself as a champion of justice, by saying that if he were appointed judge, he would give people the justice they deserved, as seen in 2 Samuel 15:4, and this tactic was used to gain the people's trust and loyalty, much like Satan's deception in Genesis 3:1-5.
Why did Absalom say 'If only someone would appoint me judge in the land'?
Absalom said this to make the people believe that he was the solution to their problems, and that King David was not providing adequate justice, as implied in 2 Samuel 15:3, and this was a clever tactic to turn the people against the king and towards him.
Is Absalom's promise of justice in 2 Samuel 15:4 genuine?
No, Absalom's promise of justice was not genuine, as seen in the context of 2 Samuel 15:1-6, his goal was to steal the hearts of the people and overthrow his father, King David, not to truly provide justice, and this is similar to the warnings against false prophets in Matthew 7:15-20.
What can we learn from Absalom's actions in 2 Samuel 15:4?
We can learn that true justice and leadership come from God, as seen in Proverbs 29:2, and that we should be cautious of those who promise the world but have ulterior motives, and instead, we should look to God's Word and His appointed leaders for guidance, as encouraged in Psalm 37:3-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can be like Absalom, presenting myself as something I'm not, and how can I be more genuine in my relationships with others?
- How can I discern when someone is being deceitful or manipulative, like Absalom, and what are some warning signs that I should look out for?
- What are some areas in my life where I am seeking justice or fairness, and how can I trust God to provide it, as promised in Psalm 37:3-6?
- In what ways can I be a source of true justice and compassion to those around me, as encouraged in Micah 6:8, and how can I reflect God's heart of justice and mercy?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 15:4
Absalom said, moreover,.... To the same persons, at the same time: oh that I were made judge in the land; by which it appears that he had no office under the king; partly either because of his crime,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 15:4
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! No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:4
Oh that I were made judge in the land! for the king had only restored Absalom to favour, but thought not fit to put him into any place of power and trust. I would do him justice; I should refuse no man, and decline no pains to do any man good. So he pretends to a very public spirit.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:4
2 Samuel 15:4 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!Ver. 4. Oh that I were made judge in the land.] It were pity else, you are so worthy a wight; let Pellican say for you. Absalom was an absolute villain, saith he, ungrateful, ambitious, arrogant, a hypocrite, a liar, a persecutor of his father, a subverter of the people, an example and monument of rebellious sons, and of all that persecute God’ s servants. And was not this a fit man to make a supreme judge! Surely, such while they seek the greatest dignities, find the greatest shame; and like apes, when they be climbing, they do the more show their deformities.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 15:4
| Sermon | Description | |
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Placing Your Enemies in the Hands of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word in order to receive His blessings. He tells a story using the imagery of different trees represent |
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Leadership Manual by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of delegation in leadership. They highlight that true leadership cannot exist without delegating tasks to others. The speaker |
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Step 22 on the Many Forms of Vainglory by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers of vainglory, highlighting how it leads to pride and the importance of conquering it to avoid falling into the trap of seeking praise f |
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Pharisees Seek Honour From Men by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on the danger of seeking honor from people, drawing from Jesus' teachings on the Pharisees who prayed publicly to be noticed by others. He emphasizes the import |
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Pharisees Boast About Their Accomplishments by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the danger of boasting about our accomplishments in the name of the Lord, drawing from the example of the Pharisees who glorified themselves rather than God. |
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Having a Humble Opinion of Self by Thomas a Kempis | Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of humility, fearing God, and serving Him rather than seeking knowledge for the sake of pride. He warns against the vanity of intellectual |
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John Berridge by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot reflects on the remarkable period of the 18th century where ministers like Whitefield, Toplady, Berridge, Newton, Romaine, Huntington, and Hawker preached the same gos |