2 samuel 15:3 - Absalom said to him, “Behold, your matters are good and right; but there is no man deputized by the king to hear you.”

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 15:3

What does "2 samuel 15:3" mean?


This verse from 2 Samuel 15:3 reveals Absalom's manipulative strategy to usurp the throne from his father, King David. Let's break it down:

"Absalom said to him..." This indicates Absalom is speaking to someone who has come to the king (David) seeking justice or a resolution to a dispute.

"...Behold, your matters are good and right..." Absalom is acknowledging that the person has a legitimate grievance. He's being superficially agreeable and sympathetic.

"...but there is no man deputized by the king to hear you." This is the crux of Absalom's deception. He's implying that King David has neglected his duties or that his administration is failing to provide proper access to justice. He is suggesting there is no official appointed by the king to listen to and resolve the people's problems.

In essence, Absalom is subtly undermining David's authority by:

Appearing concerned and empathetic: He gains the people's trust by acknowledging their problems.
Highlighting a perceived failure of the current administration: He creates doubt and dissatisfaction with David's rule, even if such failures are fabricated or exaggerated.
Positioning himself as the solution: He implies that he would be the one to listen and act justly if he were in power, thus subtly suggesting he should be king.

The verse is a key indicator of Absalom's calculated plan to win over the hearts of the people of Israel and eventually lead a rebellion against his father. He's exploiting people's frustrations and presenting himself as a better alternative, even if his motives are entirely self-serving.

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