Absalom tells people that their complaints are legitimate, but says there’s no one from the king to hear them. The Hebrew word shama (שָׁמַע), meaning "to hear" or "to listen," is key here. Absalom’s claim isn’t about justice—it’s about undermining trust in David’s leadership.

This tactic is surprisingly modern: he validates people’s frustrations, then blames the system for not caring. It’s a classic move for anyone trying to win support by creating doubt about those in charge. In ancient times, as now, leaders were expected to be accessible and fair. Absalom’s approach is both empathetic and manipulative.

If you’ve ever felt like your concerns weren’t being heard by people in power, you know how powerful this message can be. Absalom’s words tap into a universal frustration: wanting someone to listen. But it’s also a warning—sometimes, people who seem to be on your side are really using your pain for their own gain.