Absalom went to Hebron under the guise of fulfilling a vow, but his true aim was to raise an insurrection against his father’s kingdom.
David’s third son, Absalom, had returned to Jerusalem after a period of estrangement and approached King David with a request to fulfill a vow he claimed to have made. As recorded in the text, “And the king said to him, ‘Go in peace.’ So he arose and went to Hebron” (2 Samuel 15:9). In this moment, David—who reigned in Israel from around 1010-970 BC—unwittingly granted Absalom the freedom to depart for Hebron. Historians note that Hebron is an ancient stronghold located approximately twenty miles south of Jerusalem, an important site where David himself had been declared king of Judah earlier in his life. By granting leave to Absalom, David believed he was supporting a spiritual vow, unaware that Absalom intended to use Hebron as a base to launch a rebellion.
The phrase “Go in peace” underscores David’s gracious disposition toward Absalom, revealing his hopeful trust in a reconciled relationship between father and son. At this stage, Absalom had fostered loyalty among certain Israelites by presenting himself as a champion of the people, subtly undermining his father’s reputation (2 Samuel 15:1-6). This verse thus foreshadows the gathering storm in Hebron, as Absalom’s martial ambitions would soon transform his solemn vow into the spark of a revolt against David’s rule. In the larger biblical narrative, Absalom’s rebellion examines themes of betrayal and divine providence, especially when juxtaposed with David’s anointing and covenant promises from the Lord.
In a broader theological sense, Absalom’s journey to Hebron echoes the tension between outward devotion and hidden motives. The stronghold where David once firmly established his rule now becomes the very place his own son uses to incite conspiracy. The author of 2 Samuel thereby highlights that human plans—no matter how cunning—cannot ultimately derail God’s overarching purpose, a principle also illustrated elsewhere when individuals attempt to usurp authority but find God’s sovereignty reigning supreme (Proverbs 19:21).
Set to dark mode
2 Samuel 15:9 meaning
David’s third son, Absalom, had returned to Jerusalem after a period of estrangement and approached King David with a request to fulfill a vow he claimed to have made. As recorded in the text, “And the king said to him, ‘Go in peace.’ So he arose and went to Hebron” (2 Samuel 15:9). In this moment, David—who reigned in Israel from around 1010-970 BC—unwittingly granted Absalom the freedom to depart for Hebron. Historians note that Hebron is an ancient stronghold located approximately twenty miles south of Jerusalem, an important site where David himself had been declared king of Judah earlier in his life. By granting leave to Absalom, David believed he was supporting a spiritual vow, unaware that Absalom intended to use Hebron as a base to launch a rebellion.
The phrase “Go in peace” underscores David’s gracious disposition toward Absalom, revealing his hopeful trust in a reconciled relationship between father and son. At this stage, Absalom had fostered loyalty among certain Israelites by presenting himself as a champion of the people, subtly undermining his father’s reputation (2 Samuel 15:1-6). This verse thus foreshadows the gathering storm in Hebron, as Absalom’s martial ambitions would soon transform his solemn vow into the spark of a revolt against David’s rule. In the larger biblical narrative, Absalom’s rebellion examines themes of betrayal and divine providence, especially when juxtaposed with David’s anointing and covenant promises from the Lord.
In a broader theological sense, Absalom’s journey to Hebron echoes the tension between outward devotion and hidden motives. The stronghold where David once firmly established his rule now becomes the very place his own son uses to incite conspiracy. The author of 2 Samuel thereby highlights that human plans—no matter how cunning—cannot ultimately derail God’s overarching purpose, a principle also illustrated elsewhere when individuals attempt to usurp authority but find God’s sovereignty reigning supreme (Proverbs 19:21).