2 Samuel 15:4

4 And Absalom said, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any controversy and cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!

2 Samuel 15:4 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 15:4

Absalom said, moreover
To the same persons, at the same time:

oh that I were made judge in the land;
by which it appears that he had no office under the king; partly either because of his crime, and so not thought fit, and partly because he appeared to be an ambitious aspiring man, and so it was thought not safe to put him into any office:

that every man that hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I
would do him justice;
at once, without any further trouble, or coming often, and in vain, and to no purpose.

2 Samuel 15:4 In-Context

2 And Absalom rose early, and stood beside the way of the gate; and it was so, that when any man who had a controversy had to come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

3 And Absalom said to him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man to hear thee [appointed] by the king.

4 And Absalom said, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any controversy and cause might come to me, and I would do him justice!

5 And it was so, that when any man came near to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

6 And in this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment; and Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or 'round by,' as Ex. 18.13, &c.