What does 2 Samuel 15:9 mean?

Absalom has requested permission from David to travel to Hebron. He supposedly wants to honor a vow he made to the Lord at least six years earlier, when he was still living in exile (2 Samuel 15:7–8). David has no idea that Absalom's respectfully delivered request is a cover. The actual goal is to initiate a coup to overthrow David and take the throne for himself (2 Samuel 15:10). With no reason to be suspicious, David agrees, using the formal language of granting such permission: "Go in peace."

Hebron is a key city in Judah, southeast of Jerusalem. It's where David was crowned king over Judah many years earlier, creating an association with the official monarchy. In a sense, it's also the ancient seat of religious Israel. Abraham built an altar to the Lord there (Genesis 13:8). It's where the early patriarchs are buried. It's also where Absalom was born (2 Samuel 3:2–3). Absalom wants to give the announcement of his kingship as much credibility as possible.

For four years, Absalom has sat at the city gates, telling petitioners that David won't give them justice, but he would—if he had the authority. He's beautiful and charming, and far too many men have fallen for his manipulation (2 Samuel 14:25–27; 15:1–6). As Absalom leaves Jerusalem, he sends messengers to men he knows are loyal to him. He's also invited two hundred men from Jerusalem who have no idea what's going on. Whether they support him or not, they certainly make his rebellion seem more legitimate. As a final blow, Absalom has won the loyalty of Ahithophel, one of David's most trusted advisors (2 Samuel 15:10–12).

Not all is lost. David has three units of Philistine soldiers (2 Samuel 15:18), two priests, their sons (2 Samuel 15:27), and an old man (2 Samuel 15:32). That's more than enough for God to save the nation.