2 Samuel 15:2

“And Absalom rose up early, etc.] Every morning, to show how diligent and industrious he should be, and closely apply himself to business, was he in any office trader the king, and especially when he should be king himself; this he did to ingratiate himself into the affections of the people: and stood beside the way of the gate; either of the king’s palace, so Josephus f254, or of the city, where courts of judicature are held: the former seems most probable by what follows: and it was [so], that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment; that had a controversy with another man on any account, and came to the king to have it decided according to law, or the rules of…”

“Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate--Public business in the East is always transacted early in the morning--the kings sitting an hour or more to hear causes or receive petitions, in a court held anciently, and in many places still, in the open air at the city gateway; so that, as those whose circumstances led them to wait on King David required to be in attendance on his morning levees, Absalom had to rise up early and stand beside the way of the gate. Through the growing infirmities of age, or the occupation of his government with foreign wars, many private causes had long lain undecided, and a deep feeling of discontent prevailed among the people. This…”

“Beside the way of the gate - See Ruth 4:1 note. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Early - Thereby making a shew of solicitude for the good of the public, and of every private person. Called him - Preventing him with the offers of his assistance. And as if he were ready to make particular enquiry into the state of his cause. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 15:3”

“rose up: Job 24:14; Pro 4:16; Mat 27:1 came: Heb. to come, Exo 18:14, Exo 18:16, Exo 18:26; Kg1 3:16-28 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 15:3”