2 Samuel 15:13
ESV
And a messenger came to David, saying, "The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom."
NIV
A messenger came and told David, "The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom."
NASB
Then a messenger came to David, saying, 'The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.'
CSB
Then an informer came to David and reported, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom."
NLT
A messenger soon arrived in Jerusalem to tell David, 'All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you!'
KJV
And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
NKJV
Now a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”
What does 2 Samuel 15:13 mean?
One of the most impressive aspects of Absalom's conspiracy to take David's throne as king over Israel is the ability to keep it relatively secret for such a long time. After four years (2 Samuel 15:7) of building a strong network of support throughout the nation and even recruiting David's official counselor (2 Samuel 15:12), Absalom conducts a coronation ceremony for himself in Hebron that is attended by hundreds of unsuspecting men of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:11). Only after all of that does David finally receive a message with the truth.The message emphasizes the most important fact of the coup. It's not just that Absalom is betraying his father to take the throne for himself. It's that the hearts of the people are with David's son, not the king. David had defended the people, given them gifts, and honored their leaders. He united the nation, defeated Israel's enemies, and brought peace to the land. And yet enough people follow Absalom to start a rebellion.
The text doesn't explain exactly why this propaganda campaign was so effective. Scholars suggest that this seems to be a peaceful time in the kingdom. The Philistines are under such control that David uses them for bodyguards and mercenaries, and they are very faithful to him (2 Samuel 15:18–23). When there's peace and prosperity, it's easy to forget who or what ensured that peace. When raiders aren't burning down your barns, it's also easier to focus on the smaller issues that Absalom addressed with the petitioners who came to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:2–4).
Another possibility is that this happens as David is focused on gathering the supplies for the temple. The materials come from great distances, and David does everything he can to make sure everything is ready for Solomon. If he is too absorbed in his pet project, Absalom's claim of neglecting the people might have some truth.
In addition, Absalom is a master manipulator. He's been meeting travelers at the city gate, early in the morning, and convincing them David doesn't care about them. Between his good looks and his confidence, they believe him.
The combination of a peaceful, prosperous kingdom and a charming, treasonous son has made David very vulnerable.
