Definition: And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 2 Samuel 15:6. It’s a really serious and shocking verse in the Bible! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Absalom is angry. The verse describes Absalom, the son of King David, acting incredibly spiteful and defiant towards all the people of Israel. He’s stealing their hearts. This is the key part. He's deliberately trying to manipulate and deceive them – essentially, he’s trying to trick them into doing what he wants. Let’s unpack it further: “On this manner did Absalom…” - This phrase emphasizes the deliberate and malicious nature of his actions. It’s not a casual act; it's a calculated move driven by anger and desire for control. “…to all Israel…” – This tells us that Absalom is targeting everyone in Israel, not just a specific group. He’s aiming to influence them all. “…that came to the king for judgment:” - Absalom is seeking a legal challenge from King David. He's presenting himself as someone who deserves a hearing and a chance to be judged. “so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” – This is the core of the verse. He’s manipulating them, trying to influence their decisions, and ultimately, stealing their trust and affection. He's essentially using deception to gain power. What does this mean in a broader sense? This story highlights several themes: The dangers of pride: Absalom’s actions reveal how pride can lead people to become manipulative and destructive. The importance of trust: Absalom’s actions undermine the trust that’s essential for a stable society. The need for wisdom and justice: The story also suggests that rulers should strive for wisdom and fairness, avoiding actions that cause division and harm. Important Note: This is a very difficult passage to understand because it describes a profoundly disturbing act of betrayal. It's often seen as a warning against the dangers of ambition and deceit. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/2Samuel/Absalom](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/2Samuel/Absalom) Wikipedia - 2 Samuel 15: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Samuel_15](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Samuel_15) Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this story?