Two sub-sections each begin with a reference to time (vv. 1, 7) and form a literary "diptych"(i.e., two complementary panals).233The first six verses explain how Absalom undermined popular confidence in the Lord's anointed for four years. The last six relate his final preparations to lead a military revolution against David.
"Whatever the reason, he exhibited the same patient scheming and relentless determination which he had already shown when he set out to avenge the rape of his sister (chapter 13); the leopard had not changed his spots. His hatred for Amnon at least had had some excuse, but now it became clear that he had no affection for his father either. Apart from his love for his sister Tamar, he appears to have been a cold, ruthless and above all ambitious man."234
Absalom spent four years (v. 7, probably 980-976 B.C.) quietly planning a coup.235He did this by securing military weapons and supporters (v. 1; cf. 1 Kings 1:5), criticizing his father's administration (vv. 2-3), promising to rule better than David (v. 4), and exercising personal charm and flattery (vv. 5-6). David was at this time (980-976 B.C.) building his palace in Jerusalem, then constructing a new dwelling place for the ark, and finally making preparations for the temple (5:9-12). This may be the reason David was not meeting the needs of his people as well as he might have done. It accounts for David's surprise when Absalom's coupbegan as well.
Perhaps Absalom chose Hebron as the place to announce his rebellion because that was his birthplace, and his support may have been strongest there. Some in Hebron may have resented David's moving his capital from there to Jerusalem.236Ahithophel (v. 12) was Bathsheba's grandfather (11:3; 23:34). Ahithophel's support of Absalom may suggest that the general public did not know about God's choice of David's successor. Ahithophel came from a town in Judah (Josh. 15:51).
Absalom's rebellion against God's anointed king is similar to the reaction of the Jews to Jesus, the Lord's Messiah. They did not want Him to reign over them. Consequently Jesus departed from them and returned to heaven from which he will return to reign over them eventually.
