King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 15:4 Mean?

2 Samuel 15:4 in the King James Version says “Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unt...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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!”

2 Samuel 15:4 · KJV

Context

2

And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. came: Heb. to come

3

And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. there: or, none will hear thee from the king downward

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!

5

And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

6

And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

Read 2 Samuel 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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!

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 · 16 words
וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙1 of 16

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אַבְשָׁל֔וֹם2 of 16

“Absalom”

H53

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

מִי3 of 16
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יְשִׂמֵ֥נִי4 of 16

“moreover Oh that I were made”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

שֹׁפֵ֖ט5 of 16

“judge”

H8199

to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal

בָּאָ֑רֶץ6 of 16

“in the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְעָלַ֗י7 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָב֥וֹא8 of 16

“might come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

כָּל9 of 16
H3605

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

אִ֛ישׁ10 of 16

“that every man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶֽׁר11 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִֽהְיֶה12 of 16
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לּוֹ13 of 16
H0
רִ֥יב14 of 16

“which hath any suit”

H7379

a contest (personal or legal)

וּמִשְׁפָּ֖ט15 of 16

“or cause”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וְהִצְדַּקְתִּֽיו׃16 of 16

“unto me and I would do him justice”

H6663

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

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 15:4 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 15:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 9:29Proverbs 27:2Judges 9:1-5Luke 14:8-112 Peter 2:19Proverbs 25:6

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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