Absalom said, O that I were made judge in the land! Though he was admitted to come to court, and see the king, he had no office there, as, it seems, the rest of the king's sons had. This he took ill, and endeavoured to bring the people to do so too, by persuading them that, if he were in authority, he would take speedy care to do them justice. When any man came nigh to do him obeisance To fall prostrate before him as the king's son. He put forth his hand and took him That is, prevented him from prostrating himself, and condescended even to salute him with a kiss. In this manner did Absalom to all Israel Robbed his father of the affections of the people, and possessed himself of them; some admiring his beauty and gallantry; others his courtesy and civility; and others being taken with his magnificent promises of the noble things he would do if he were their king.
Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 15:4
2 Samuel 15:4-6
4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
6 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.