151 Now it came about after e this that Absalom provided for himself a chariot and horses and fifty men as runners before him. 2 Absalom used to rise early and stand beside e the way to the gate ; and when any man had a suit to come to the king for judgment , Absalom would call to him and say , "From what e city are you?" And he would say , "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel ." 3 Then Absalom would say to him, "See , your claims are good and right , but no man listens to you on the part e of the king ." 4 Moreover, Absalom would say , " Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land , then every man who has any suit or cause could come to me and I would give him justice ." 5 And when a man came near to prostrate himself before him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. 6 In this manner Absalom dealt with all Israel who came to the king for judgment ; so Absalom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel .
7 Now it came about at the end of forty years that Absalom said to the king , "Please let me go and pay my vow which I have vowed to the Lord , in Hebron . 8 "For your servant vowed a vow while I was living at Geshur in Aram , saying , ' If the Lord shall indeed bring me back to Jerusalem , then I will serve the Lord .' " 9 The king said to him, "Go in peace ." So he arose and went to Hebron .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:1-9
Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:1-6
(Read 2 Samuel 15:1-6)
David allows Absalom's pomp. Those parents know not what they do, who indulge a proud humour in their children: many young people are ruined by pride. And those commonly are most eager for authority who least understand its duties.
Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:7-12
(Read 2 Samuel 15:7-12)
See how willing tender parents are to believe the best concerning their children. But how easy and how wicked is it, for children to take advantage of good parents, and to deceive them with the show of religion! The principal men of Jerusalem joined Absalom's feast upon his sacrifice. Pious persons are glad to see others appear religious, and this gives occasion for deceptions. The policy of wicked men, and the subtlety of Satan, are exerted to draw good persons to countenance base designs.