King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:10 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:10 in the King James Version says “But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.”

2 Samuel 15:10 · KJV

Context

8

For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.

9

And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.

10

But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.

11

And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

12

And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

Read 2 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Absalom's Rebellion, emphasizing betrayal, trusting God in exile. Absalom's conspiracy demonstrates calculating betrayal and political manipulation. David's flight from Jerusalem parallels later exile experiences, developing themes of trusting God during devastating reversals. The Hebrew emphasizes Absalom's patient, methodical undermining of David's authority. Cross-references to Psalms written during this period (Psalms 3, 63) reveal David's spiritual responses to political catastrophe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 15 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding betrayal, trusting God in exile provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of betrayal, trusting God in exile?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח1 of 15

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם2 of 15

“Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

מְרַגְּלִ֔ים3 of 15

“spies”

H7270

to walk along; but only in specifically, applications, to reconnoiter, to be a tale-bearer (i.e., slander); to lead about

בְּכָל4 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שִׁבְטֵ֥י5 of 15

“throughout all the tribes”

H7626

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 15

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם7 of 15

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כְּשָׁמְעֲכֶם֙8 of 15

“As soon as ye hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת9 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

ק֣וֹל10 of 15

“the sound”

H6963

a voice or sound

הַשֹּׁפָ֔ר11 of 15

“of the trumpet”

H7782

a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn

וַֽאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם12 of 15

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מָלַ֥ךְ13 of 15

“reigneth”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אַבְשָׁל֖וֹם14 of 15

“Absalom”

H53

abshalom, a son of david; also (the fuller form) a later israelite

בְּחֶבְרֽוֹן׃15 of 15

“in Hebron”

H2275

chebron, the name of two israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 15:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 15:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:2-32 Samuel 2:11 Chronicles 12:382 Samuel 13:282 Samuel 2:111 Chronicles 12:23

Places in This Verse

HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
View all places in 2 Samuel 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

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