2 Samuel 15:10

spies Absalom's emissaries are called spies, because they were sent secretly to ascertain public feeling, and only divulge their real purpose where they could count on support.

the sound of the trumpet The signal for revolt and for the gathering of his supporters, like the hoisting of a standard in modern times. He was to be proclaimed king simultaneously all over the country. Cp. ch. 2Sa 20:1; 1 Kings 1:34; 2 Kings 9:13.

in Hebron The choice of Hebron clearly shews that Absalom expected to find his chief support in the tribe of Judah. It is probable that the old tribal jealousies had been revived, and that Judah resented its absorption into the nation at large. Such a spirit of discontent would account for the slackness of Judah to bring back the king when the rebellion was over (ch. 2 Samuel 19:11). Hebron itself too probably contained many persons who were aggrieved by the removal of the court to Jerusalem. See Ewald's Hist. of Israel, III. 176.