MPV Commentary

Absalom prepared chariots and horses, along with fifty men to run before him. This was an impressive display of wealth and power, equivalent to that of a prince. The royal guards, known as runners, typically numbered around fifty (1Ki 1:5). The chariot was a magnificent vehicle, and the horses were a novelty among the Hebrew people, introduced in this era as a symbol of royalty (Ps 32:9; 66:12).

Absalom rose early to stand beside the city gate, where public business was often conducted. In the East, kings would hold court in the morning, hearing cases and receiving petitions in an open-air setting at the city gateway. As those who needed to attend King David's morning sessions had to be present, Absalom had to rise early to stand by the gate. Due to David's age or his preoccupation with foreign wars, many private matters had gone unresolved for a long time, causing widespread discontent among the people. Absalom skillfully exploited this dissatisfaction, addressing each suitor and offering a favorable opinion of their case after briefly hearing their story. He concealed his true intentions, expressing a desire to be given official power so he could speed up justice and benefit the public.

Absalom's words had an air of extraordinary generosity and selflessness, which, combined with his flattering behavior towards everyone, made him a popular favorite. By contrasting his own commitment to serving the public with what he perceived as the court's slowness or corruption, Absalom created growing discontent with David's government among the people, who were unaware of his true motives and could not foresee the consequences of his actions.

After four years since his return to Jerusalem and the start of his efforts to gain popularity, Absalom fulfilled a vow he had made to the Lord during his exile in Geshur. He had promised to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving whenever God's providence allowed him to re-establish himself in Jerusalem. Absalom chose Hebron as the location for this vow, ostensibly because it was his native place (2Sa 3:3) and a famous high place where sacrifices were often offered before the temple was built. However, he likely selected Hebron because of its strategic location and suitability for launching his rebellion against David. David, who valued piety and encouraged people to keep their promises, gave Absalom his consent and blessing.