2 samuel 15:9 - The king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose, and went to Hebron.

Generated Verse: 2 samuel 15:9

What does "2 samuel 15:9" mean?


This verse, 2 Samuel 15:9, is deceptively simple but loaded with political tension and foreshadowing. Let's break it down:

"The king said to him, 'Go in peace.'" The king is David, and "him" is Absalom, David's son. On the surface, this seems like a blessing or permission. David is allowing Absalom to leave Jerusalem and go to Hebron. However, the "Go in peace" might be a way to get rid of Absalom. David might suspect Absalom's motives but doesn't want to openly confront him or cause a public scene in Jerusalem. So, he allows him to leave, hoping the situation will resolve itself or that he can deal with Absalom's schemes from afar.

"So he arose, and went to Hebron." This is the critical part. Hebron was a strategically important city for several reasons:

Historical Significance: It was the first city where David reigned as king over Judah. This gave Absalom a link to David's early success and a claim to legitimate power.
Tribal Connections: Hebron was located in Judah, the tribe David was from. Absalom likely believed he could gain significant support from the people of Judah.
Distance from David: It's far enough from Jerusalem to give Absalom space to organize his rebellion, away from David's direct influence and surveillance.

In essence, this verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Absalom's rebellion. It represents:

David's weakness or misjudgment: He either doesn't fully grasp the extent of Absalom's ambition or is unwilling to confront it directly. His "Go in peace" might be a strategic error.
Absalom's calculated move: Hebron is the perfect place for him to launch his coup. He's leveraging history and tribal connections to build his support base.
The calm before the storm: The "peace" is a facade. Absalom is going to Hebron to orchestrate a rebellion against his father, David.

Therefore, this short verse is full of political maneuvering, foreshadowing the conflict to come, and highlighting the complex relationship between David and his ambitious son, Absalom.

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