Absalom’s decisive recruitment of Ahithophel further fueled the uprising, ultimately turning a private plot into a widespread movement.
And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom. (v.12)
In this verse, we see Absalom, the son of King David (who reigned approximately from 1010 BC to 970 BC), strategically extending his influence during a time of covert rebellion. He calls upon Ahithophel the Gilonite—a renowned advisor to David—to join him in Giloh, a town in the hill country of Judah near Hebron. By recruiting someone as respected and cunning as Ahithophel, Absalom gains a powerful ally, thus strengthening the foundations of his plot to overthrow his father. The text notes he does this specifically “while he was offering the sacrifices,” implying Absalom’s readiness to seize on any moment of religious or civic gathering to win favor and visibility.
The verse underscores how rapidly the rebellion escalated: And the conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom. (v.12) Absalom’s ability to gather a growing following indicates widespread discontent or restlessness among the population, ready to champion a new claim to Israel’s throne. Although David was known for his humility and forbearance—traits demonstrated further along in Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 16:11-12)—Absalom’s actions gained enough momentum here to pose a serious threat to the kingdom’s stability. This growing support foreshadows the turmoil and danger that David would soon face as the rebellion moved forward.
In the broader narrative of 2 Samuel, Absalom’s sudden popularity reflects the complexities of David’s reign, as well as the consequences of family discord and political ambition. Absalom’s return from exile, his calculated campaign to sway the hearts of the Israelites, and his enlistment of notable figures such as Ahithophel set the stage for a tumultuous conflict that would test David’s leadership and the nation’s allegiance.
Set to dark mode
2 Samuel 15:12 meaning
And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom. (v.12)
In this verse, we see Absalom, the son of King David (who reigned approximately from 1010 BC to 970 BC), strategically extending his influence during a time of covert rebellion. He calls upon Ahithophel the Gilonite—a renowned advisor to David—to join him in Giloh, a town in the hill country of Judah near Hebron. By recruiting someone as respected and cunning as Ahithophel, Absalom gains a powerful ally, thus strengthening the foundations of his plot to overthrow his father. The text notes he does this specifically “while he was offering the sacrifices,” implying Absalom’s readiness to seize on any moment of religious or civic gathering to win favor and visibility.
The verse underscores how rapidly the rebellion escalated: And the conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom. (v.12) Absalom’s ability to gather a growing following indicates widespread discontent or restlessness among the population, ready to champion a new claim to Israel’s throne. Although David was known for his humility and forbearance—traits demonstrated further along in Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 16:11-12)—Absalom’s actions gained enough momentum here to pose a serious threat to the kingdom’s stability. This growing support foreshadows the turmoil and danger that David would soon face as the rebellion moved forward.
In the broader narrative of 2 Samuel, Absalom’s sudden popularity reflects the complexities of David’s reign, as well as the consequences of family discord and political ambition. Absalom’s return from exile, his calculated campaign to sway the hearts of the Israelites, and his enlistment of notable figures such as Ahithophel set the stage for a tumultuous conflict that would test David’s leadership and the nation’s allegiance.