2 Samuel 15 Footnotes

15:7 Many modern English versions indicate that Absalom waited four years before proclaiming himself king, but other major English versions speak of a forty year period. The disagreement reflects differences in ancient textual authorities; the Hebrew MT gives forty years, while one tradition of the Septuagint, the Syriac, and Josephus reads “four.” Either number may be the correct one, depending on what the number of years signifies. It if indicates Absalom’s age the number forty is original; if it refers to the number of years Absalom schemed, building up his reputation among the Israelites, then four is the correct number.