2 Samuel 15:1
ESV
After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
NIV
In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him.
NASB
Now it came about after this that Absalom provided for himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run ahead of him.
CSB
After this, Absalom got himself a chariot, horses, and fifty men to run before him.
NLT
After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him.
KJV
And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
NKJV
After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
What does 2 Samuel 15:1 mean?
When David saw Bathsheba, he didn't know who she was. When he asked, his servant told him she was the wife of Uriah the Hittite. With that information, David's sin became personal. He knew Uriah. Uriah was one of his "mighty warriors" (1 Chronicles 11:41). David betrayed a friend and faithful servant: one who was so loyal, he'd rather remain pure for his king's battle than go home and sleep with his wife (2 Samuel 11:5, 11). In consequence, God cursed David with "evil against [him] out of [his] own house" (2 Samuel 12:11). This "evil" is David's son Absalom.The previous chapter ended with a kiss of apparent reconciliation between David and Absalom. Absalom's pattern is to reveal nothing while he plans revenge. After Amnon raped his sister Tamar, Absalom waited two full years to spring his carefully orchestrated trap (2 Samuel 13). He uses a similar strategy with David. This time, though, his plan is far grander: He will take the throne from his father and make himself king over Israel.
Absalom begins his slow and steady campaign to win the hearts of the people. His main tactic is appearances and popular appeal. His chariot and fifty-man bodyguard project authority and remind people he's a royal prince. He uses the attention to convince people that although he's not king, he should be. He hears their complaints and tells them David won't help them (2 Samuel 8:15). But he, Absalom, would if he only could. He ingratiates himself by treating everyone with deference and respect. It works. Within four years, the people are ready to follow him (2 Samuel 15:2–6).
