Bible Strands
2 Samuel 15:11
Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Absalom departs Jerusalem with two hundred invited men as his entourage, occurring immediately after he sends spies to trigger a proclamation of kingship in Hebron and just before he summons Ahithophel to strengthen his conspiracy.
The words — The Hebrew קְרֻאִים (ke.ru.'Im) literally means "invited" or "called," specifying that the two hundred men traveled as honored guests rather than conscripted soldiers.
The thread — The pattern of covert political expansion runs directly from the spy dispatch in 2 Samuel 15:10 to the strategic addition of Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 15:12, where Absalom's faction grows through calculated invitations rather than open force.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to observe how political movements often gain momentum through the unwitting participation of those who believe they are merely accompanying honored guests.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 9:13 As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”
- 1 Samuel 22:15 Was that day the first time I inquired of God for him? Far be it from me! Let not the king accuse your servant or any of my father’s household, for your servant knew nothing of this whole affair—not in part or in whole.”
- Genesis 20:5 Didn’t Abraham tell me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ I have done this in the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands.”
- 1 Samuel 16:3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you are to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.”
- Proverbs 14:15 The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps.
- Proverbs 22:3 The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences.
- Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
- Romans 16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.