5 Whenever someone would treat him with special honor, he'd shrug it off and treat him like an equal, making him feel important.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:5

Commentary on 2 Samuel 15:1-6

(Read 2 Samuel 15:1-6)

David allows Absalom's pomp. Those parents know not what they do, who indulge a proud humour in their children: many young people are ruined by pride. And those commonly are most eager for authority who least understand its duties.