II Samuel 15:10

When Absalom went to Hebron, he sent spies into all the tribes of Israel to say, "When ye hear the sound of the trumpet, say, Absalom has become king in Hebron." We must suppose the sending the spies to have been contemporaneous with the removal of Absalom to Hebron, so that ויּשׁלח is used quite regularly, and there is no reason for translating it as a pluperfect. The messengers sent out are called "spies," because they were first of all to ascertain the feelings of the people in the different tribes, and were only to execute their commission in places where they could reckon upon support. The conspiracy had hitherto been kept very secret, as we may see from the statement in Sa2 15:11 : "With Absalom there had gone two hundred men out of Jerusalem, invited (to the sacrificial festival), and going in their simplicity, who knew nothing at all of the affair." (כּל־דּבר לא: nothing at all.)

Absalom's name signifies "the peace of his father," yet he proves his greatest trouble; so often are we disappointed in our expectations from the creature. The sword entailed upon David's house had hitherto been among his children, but now it begins to be drawn against himself, with this aggravation, that he may thank himself for it, for, had he done justice upon the murderer, he would have prevented the traitor. The story of Absalom's rebellion begins with this chapter, but we must go over three or four more before we see the end of it. In this chapter we have, I. The arts Absalom used to insinuate himself into the people's affections (Sa2 15:1-6). II. His open avowal of his pretensions to the crown at Hebron, whither he went under colour of a vow, and the strong party that appeared for him there (Sa2 15:7-12). III. The notice brought of this to David, and his flight from Jerusalem thereupon (Sa2 15:13-18). In his flight we are told, 1. What passed between him and Ittai (Sa2 15:19-22). 2. The concern of the country for him (Sa2 15:23). 3. His conference with Zadok (Sa2 15:24-29). 4. His tears and prayers upon this occasion (Sa2 15:30-31). 5. Matters concerted by him with Hushai (Sa2 15:32-37). Now the word of God was fulfilled, that he would "raise up evil against him out of his own house.", Sa2 12:11.