absalom’s conspiracy david flees 2 samuel...

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ABSALOM’S CONSPIRACY

DAVID FLEES

2 SAMUEL 15:1-37

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Avenue, Nashville, TN., 37216, U.S.A., John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor


Absalom’s Conspiracy

David Flees

Text: 2 Samuel 15:1-37, 1. In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. 2. He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, "What town are you from?" He would answer, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel." 3. Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you." 4. And Absalom would add, "If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice." 5. Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. 6. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 7. At the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, "Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the LORD. 8. While your servant was living at Geshur in Aram, I made this vow: 'If the LORD takes me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.' " 9. The king said to him, "Go in peace." So he went to Hebron. 10. Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, 'Absalom is king in Hebron.' "



11. Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter. 12. While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom's following kept on increasing. 13. A messenger came and told David, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom." 14. Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword." 15. The king's officials answered him, "Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king chooses." 16. The king set out, with his entire household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace. 17. So the king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at a place some distance away. 18. All his men marched past him, along with all the Kerethites and Pelethites; and all the six hundred Gittites who had accompanied him from Gath marched before the king. 19. The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. 20. You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your countrymen. May kindness and faithfulness be with you." 21. But Ittai replied to the king, "As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be." 22. David said to Ittai, "Go ahead, march on." So Ittai the Gittite marched on with all his men and the families that were with him.



23. The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the desert. 24. Zadok was there, too, and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city. 25. Then the king said to Zadok, "Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the LORD's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. 26. But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,' then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." 27. The king also said to Zadok the priest, "Aren't you a seer? Go back to the city in peace, with your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan son of Abiathar. You and Abiathar take your two sons with you. 28. I will wait at the fords in the desert until word comes from you to inform me." 29. So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there. 30. But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up. 31. Now David had been told, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." So David prayed, "O LORD, turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness." 32. When David arrived at the summit, where people used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite was there to meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head. 33. David said to him, "If you go with me, you will be a burden to me. 34. But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king; I was your father's servant in the past, but now I will be your servant,' then you can help me by frustrating Ahithophel's advice.



35. Won't the priests Zadok and Abiathar be there with you? Tell them anything you hear in the king's palace. 36. Their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with anything you hear." 37. So David's friend Hushai arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city. (NIV) Introduction: I. So you have family problems?

A. David certainly understood what it was to face severe domestic trouble.

1. Jesus said a man’s enemies may be those of his own household.

B. David faced many family conflicts, not just those associated with Absalom. C. Why do some experience so much family trouble while others appear to enjoy consistent family tranquility?

II. Upon being restored to David’s favor, Absalom initiated his campaign to seize the throne of Israel. (Coffman)

A. Along with Coffman, we also wonder why David was not aware of what Absalom was doing and why he did not put an early end to his rebellious aspirations. B. Calmet via Clarke wrote, “He was a bold, violent, revengeful, haughty, enterprising, magnificent, eloquent, and popular prince; he was also rich, ambitious, and vain regarding personal accomplishments: after the death of Amnon, and his reconciliation



to his father, he saw no hindrance in his way to the throne. He was himself of the blood royal, not only by his father David, but also by his mother Maacah, daughter to Talmai, king of Geshur.” The problem was, Absalom wanted to take the throne from David by force!

Commentary:

Absalom’s Conspiracy

2 Samuel 15:1, In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. (NIV) I. In the course of time, . . .

A. “Verses 1-6 describe the four years preceding Absalom’s revolt,” Smith wrote. B. This phrase, “In the course of time,” according to Smith, in the Hebrew is more precise than that which is used in 10:1 and 13:1 and suggests the activities addressed in verses 1-6 began soon after Absalom obtained his liberty. (The Pulpit Commentary agrees with Smith.)

II. Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty (50) men to run ahead of him.

A. Absalom tried, by pomp and ceremony, to impress the people with his regal position.

1. 1 Samuel 8:11, He said, "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. (NIV)



2. 1 Kings 1:5, Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, "I will be king." So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. (NIV)

B. Why didn’t David stop this usurpation forthwith? C. This ostentation may have been learned from Absalom’s grandfather, the pagan king of Geshur, where he lived three (3) years in exile following the death of Amnon. (Coffman)

1. Samuel had foretold that king would behave in this way.

a. 1 Samuel 8:11, He said, "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. (NIV)

2. Absalom did not plan to wait for David’s death to become king, but set about to become king by deposing his father by force. (See Coffman.)

a. The fifty (50) men may have been the first military unit to support Absalom.

i. Exodus 18:21, But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. (NIV) ii. Deuteronomy 1:15, So I took the leading men of your tribes, wise and respected men,



and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials. (NIV)

2 Samuel 15:2, He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, "What town are you from?" He would answer, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel." (NIV) I. He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate.

A. People went to Jerusalem and/or to the gate of David’s palace to transact business and seek redress of grievances. B. Coffman well wrote that Absalom was an arrogant, conceited charlatan who impudently assured the people that he would provide honest, prompt resolutions of their legal problems.

1. All this came from the person who had killed his brother!

C. The Pulpit Commentary identifies this gate as the gate to the royal palace, where the king gave audience and administered justice.

1. However, at the city gate the elders were the judges in this citizens’ court.

a. Isaiah 1:23, Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them. (NIV)



b. Jeremiah 5:27-28, Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor. (NIV)

2. Citizen complaints in the country were heard by the mishpachah. 3. Complicated cases were referred to the king.

II. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, . . .

A. The king was the supreme court, final arbiter, of the people’s legal disputes. (Smith)

1. 2 Chronicles 19:11, "Amariah the chief priest will be over you in any matter concerning the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, will be over you in any matter concerning the king, and the Levites will serve as officials before you. Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well." (NIV)

III. “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.”

A. Absalom sought to convey the impression that every litigant would win his case.

1. Such an impression could not be realized.



2. It is obviously impossible for everyone involved in every case to win.

2 Samuel 15:3, Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you." (NIV) I. Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.”

A. Absalom claimed the judicial system was flawed, that their complaints were valid and, if he were in charge, everyone would get timely justice. B. The judicial system may have had weaknesses which Absalom sought to exploit, use to his advantage.

2 Samuel 15:4, And Absalom would add, "If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice." (NIV) I. And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land!

A. Absalom pretended to be interested in the people’s welfare. B. In his dealings with Joab, we see how much he was really interested in right, truth and justice. (See Coffman.)

1. 2 Samuel 14:28-33, Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king's face. Then Absalom sent for Joab in order to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So he sent a second time, but he refused to come. Then he said to his servants, "Look, Joab's field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire." So Absalom's servants set the field on



fire. Then Joab did go to Absalom's house and he said to him, "Why have your servants set my field on fire?" Absalom said to Joab, "Look, I sent word to you and said, 'Come here so I can send you to the king to ask, "Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there!" ' Now then, I want to see the king's face, and if I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death." So Joab went to the king and told him this. Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom. (NIV)

B. David had not neglected his judicial duties as the case of the woman of Tekoa indicates.

1. However, The Pulpit Commentary suggests the possibility that David’s sins may have clouded his judgment and adversely affected some of his judicial decisions.

II. Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that he gets justice.”

A. Watch out for politicians who claim to be interested in the people when really their prime concern is their own selfish interests.

1. How can these politicians be identified?

2 Samuel 15:5, Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. (NIV) I. Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him.



1. Why didn’t David put an early stop to this upstart’s obvious usurpations?

1. Delay is sometimes extremely costly!

B. “Absalom played the role of the people’s prince,” Smith wrote.

1. Absalom pretended to be such a great friend to all the people, but, in fact, he was only interested in self-promotion. 2. Absalom was hypocritical, and quite an actor. 3. Voters, beware! There are many “Absaloms” still running for office.

C. Coffman wrote, “This was Absalom’s way of feigning an ‘equality’ with the people. No doubt this type of flattery won him many adherents to his cause.”

1. Absalom left the impression he would have decided in each litigant’s favor regardless of the merits of the case. (Coffman) 2. David was hearing cases as is evidenced by the woman of Tekoa’s being able to present her petition to the king. 3. Absalom intercepted litigants on their way to present their cases to the king and, by “unscrupulous falsehood, deceit and hatred,” persuaded them they would get a better verdict, one more in their favor, from him than from David. (See Coffman.)

2 Samuel 15:6, Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. (NIV)



I. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, . . . II. and so he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

A. Smith stated that “stole the hearts of the men of Israel” does not refer so much to their affections (he already had that), but to stealing their understanding, i.e., he deceived or duped them . . . as demagogues do. (Also see Coffman.)

1. Another possibility is that the phrase means he “won over their loyalties,” Smith added.

B. Absalom did a marvelous job of pretending to be a patriot! (See Clarke.) C. Absalom stole (took what did not belong to him) the hearts of the people from David without the people’s realizing that they were becoming more aligned with Absalom and were gradually becoming alienated from David. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

2 Samuel 15:7, At the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, "Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the LORD. (NIV) I. At the end of four (4) years, Absalom said to the king, . . .

A. Four (4) years following David’s reconciliation with Absalom, Absalom asked permission to go to Hebron to worship. B. The AKJV reads, “After forty (40) years,” but this is no doubt a corrupt reading. (Clarke, et. al.) The Pulpit Commentary concurs with Clarke in this regard.

II. “Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the Lord.



2 Samuel 15:8, While your servant was living at Geshur in Aram, I made this vow: 'If the LORD takes me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.' " (NIV) I. While your servant was living at Geshur in Aram, I made this vow:

A. This Geshur was “a small Aramean kingdom on the eastern slopes of Mount Hermon. Geshur was situated north of Bashan and south of Syria, serving as a buffer state between Aram and Israel.” (Youngblood) B. Another Beshur (Geshurites) bordered the Philistines on the south. While David was in exile he raided them and other old inhabitants of the land. (Bromiley)

1. Joshua 13:2, "This is the land that remains: all the regions of the Philistines and Geshurites: (NIV) 2. 1 Samuel 27:8, Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites and the Amalekites. (From ancient times these peoples had lived in the land extending to Shur and Egypt.) (NIV) 3. Judges 1:10, They advanced against the Canaanites living in Hebron (formerly called Kiriath Arba) and defeated Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai. (NIV) 4. 2 Samuel 13:37, Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But King David mourned for his son every day. (NIV)

II. ‘If the Lord takes me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the Lord in Hebron.’ ”



A. Clarke wrote, “Here he (Absalom) pretended to be a strict follower of Jehovah, even while he was in a heathen country” in exile because he had killed his brother.

2 Samuel 15:9, The king said to him, "Go in peace." So he went to Hebron. (NIV) I. The king said to him, “Go in peace.”

A. David believed Absalom. David was totally deceived! B. Smith observed that “Go in peace” were the last words David ever spoke to his son Absalom.

II. So he went to Hebron.

A. Smith suggests Hebron was chosen because it was:

1. “in the heart of Judah, Absalom’s base of support,” 2. “it was a royal city long before Jerusalem became the capital,” 3. it was the town where Absalom was born,” and . . .

a. 2 Samuel 3:3, his second, Kileab the son of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; the third, Absalom the son of Maacah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; (NIV)

4. “it was a safe distance from Jerusalem where David’s soldiers might crush the revolt before it gained momentum.”



B. If Absalom could have gained the support of the northern tribes, David would have been caught between two (2) hostile forces, Smith noted.

2 Samuel 15:10, Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, 'Absalom is king in Hebron.' " (NIV) I. Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, . . .

A. To gain the support of all the tribes, he sent secret messengers throughout the country. B. Coffman wrote, “It is evident that much more elaborate preparations had been made for this effort of Absalom to seize the throne than appears on the surface of this concise narrative.” C. The Pulpit Commentary expresses the opinion that these messengers positioned themselves throughout Israel and, when word of mouth reached each messenger in his particular location, that messenger would become a campaign spokesman for Absalom.

1. The point is that a large growing support, ground swell for Absalom was being cultivated with vigor!

II. “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’ ”

A. Absalom’s sympathizers were found in major cities throughout the country and, on signal, they were to proclaim Absalom as king in Hebron.



B. In this way the message, set for a certain time and upon a definite signal, would reach into all the tribes of Israel. (See Clarke.) C. Clarke suggested the trumpet signal first sounded in Hebron which was heard at some distance where other trumpeters renewed the signal on and on until it reached all Israel. D. Anderson wrote, “The blowing of the ram’s horn was part of the enthronement ritual,” but here “the reference may be to the signals sent through the whole land of Israel.”

1. 1 Kings 1:34, There have Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout, 'Long live King Solomon!' (NIV) 2. 2 Kings 9:13, They hurried and took their cloaks and spread them under him on the bare steps. Then they blew the trumpet and shouted, "Jehu is king!" (NIV) 3. Psalm 93:1, The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. (NIV) 4. Psalm 96:10, Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. (NIV) 5. Psalm 97:1, The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. (NIV) 6. Psalm 99:1, The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. (NIV)



2 Samuel 15:11, Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter. (NIV) I. Two hundred (200) men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom.

A. Smith said, “These men knew nothing of the plot which was unfolding,” while Conroy was of the opinion that these two hundred (200) were from the poorer element in Jerusalem.

1. The impression was that the people of Jerusalem supported Absalom. 2. Clarke supposed these men were soldiers.

II. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter.

A. This statement confirms the accuracy of Smith’s comment. B. These men did not know Absalom’s intentions when they left Jerusalem, but once they were in Hebron, they were in a most difficult position.

1. They either supported Absalom or became hostages, perhaps even killed.

2 Samuel 15:12, While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom's following kept on increasing. (NIV) I. While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown.



A. Smith stated these sacrifices were in reference to Absalom’s coronation, not to the fictitious vow of which he had earlier spoken to David. B. Others were invited including Ahithophel, who had once been David’s most trusted advisor. (See Smith.)

1. 2 Samuel 16:23, Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel's advice. (NIV) 2. Ahithophel was a Gilonite; that is, from the town of Giloh (Gilo) which was six (6) miles northwest of Hebron. (See Smith.)

a. Joshua 15:48-51, In the hill country: Shamir, Jattir, Socoh, Dannah, Kiriath Sannah (that is, Debir), Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, Goshen, Holon and Giloh—eleven towns and their villages. (NIV)

3. Ahithophel, Smith stated, may have been Bathsheba’s grandfather, although this is not an unquestioned fact. (See Anderson.)

a. 2 Samuel 11:3, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" (NIV) b. If Absalom had been successful, Bathsheba and Solomon may well have been killed which led Coffman to express some difficulty in his siding with Absalom in this coup.



III. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.

A. Absalom’s conspiracy became a major threat to David’s reign!

David Flees

2 Samuel 15:13, A messenger came and told David, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom." (NIV) I. A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”

A. It appears that David’s intelligence gathering left much to be desired!

1. This, coupled with David’s prolonged indecisiveness regarding Absalom, almost cost David his kingdom and his life.

2 Samuel 15:14, Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword." (NIV)

I. Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, . . . II. “Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom.

A. David ordered the departure of all his government officials from Jerusalem lest they fall into Absalom’s hands.



1. If Absalom had encircled Jerusalem with David’s forces inside, David would have faced a long siege.

B. The officials had to leave Jerusalem without delay so Absalom would not have opportunity to block their escape route. C. In the open field, David’s men of war had the distinct advantage whereas, if they had been trapped in the city, Absalom may have had the advantage. (See Coffman.) D. David decided wisely on a strategic retreat, the best course of action under the present circumstances.

1. As David’s forces moved about, other supporters could easily join them.

III. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword.”

A. With David and his men out of the city, Absalom would enter Jerusalem, but not damage the city as in a military attack. B. David may have also thought he could maneuver better outside Jerusalem. (See Smith.)

2 Samuel 15:15, The king's officials answered him, "Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king chooses." (NIV) I. The king’s officials (officers of David’s court) answered him, “Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king chooses.”

A. Those who left Jerusalem with David pledged him their loyal support.



2 Samuel 15:16, The king set out, with his entire household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace. (NIV) I. The king set out, with his entire household following him; . . . II. but he left ten (10) concubines to take care of the palace.

A. If David had thought these concubines would have been in any danger, he surely would have taken them with him also. B. David was a great man of faith and a mighty warrior, but, in regard to Absalom, he was indecisive, slow to act and reluctant to see him for what he was. C. This was the setting for the fulfillment of prophecy.

1. 2 Samuel 12:11-12, "This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' " (NIV) 2. 2 Samuel 16:21-22, Ahithophel answered, "Lie with your father's concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench in your father's nostrils, and the hands of everyone with you will be strengthened." So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. (NIV)

2 Samuel 15:17, So the king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at a place some distance away. (NIV)



I. So the king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at a place some distance away.

A. Smith was of the opinion that this place was the last house in the direction of the Mount of Olives.

1. “a place some distance away, lit., ‘Beth-merhak [the last house].’ ”

a. This may refer to David’s stopping at the last house on the outskirts of Jerusalem. (See Anderson.)

2. David, Clarke surmised, probably waited at this place until he saw all his friends out of the city.

B. Preparations had to be made for a safe and orderly retreat by David’s loyal supporters. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

2 Samuel 15:18, All his men marched past him, along with all the Kerethites and Pelethites; and all the six hundred Gittites who had accompanied him from Gath marched before the king. (NIV) I. All his men marched past him, . . .

A. David reviewed his troops.

II. along with all the Kerethites and Pelethites, and all the six hundred (600) Gittites, Gibborim, the “mighties,” who had accompanied him from Gath marched before the king.

A. The Kerethites and Pelethites were the palace guard made up of Philistine mercenaries. (See Smith.)



1. 2 Samuel 8:18, Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites; and David's sons were royal advisers. (NIV)

B. Six hundred (600) Gittites, David’s mighty men, men of Gath, who had faithfully served David for many years, were also among the troops.

1. 1 Samuel 23:13, So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there. (NIV) 2. 2 Samuel 10:7, On hearing this, David sent Joab out with the entire army of fighting men. (NIV) 3. 2 Samuel 16:6, He pelted David and all the king's officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David's right and left. (NIV) 4. 2 Samuel 20:7, So Joab's men and the Kerethites and Pelethites and all the mighty warriors went out under the command of Abishai. They marched out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba son of Bicri. (NIV) 5. 1 Kings 1:8, But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei and Rei and David's special guard did not join Adonijah. (NIV) 6. “It is clear enough that these are the six hundred (600) old companions in arms of David’s who gathered around him during the days of his flight from Saul, who emigrated with him to Gath, and later to Ziklag.” (Coffman)



a. 1 Samuel 27:2, So David and the six hundred men with him left and went over to Achish son of Maoch king of Gath. (NIV)

b. 1 Samuel 30:9, David and the six hundred men with him came to the Besor Ravine, where some stayed behind, (NIV)

c. 1 Samuel 22:2, All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him. (NIV)

d. 2 Samuel 17:8, You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops. (NIV)

7. These passed before the king; that is, they crossed the brook Kidron east of Jerusalem. (Coffman)

a. “These were the skilled soldiers who were capable of defeating an army ten times their size.” (Coffman)

Note: Smith stated, “It is clear that David had the support of the professional soldiers, while Absalom was backed by the militia.” 2 Samuel 15:19, The king said to Ittai the Gittite, "Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. (NIV) I. The king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you come along with us?



A. David told Ittai the commander of the Gittites, that, as a non-Israelite, the expedient thing for Ittai to do would be to return to Jerusalem and transfer loyalty to the new king. (See Smith.) B. David conscripted no one! All that followed David were volunteers. (Coffman)

1. Coffman reminds us that Christ accepts only volunteers as well.

C. Clarke wrote, “Some suppose that Ittai was the son of Achish, king of Gath, who was very much attached to David, and banished from his father’s court on that account.”

II. Go back and stay with king Absalom.

A. David was testing Ittai’s loyalty.

III. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland.

A. The Pulpit commentary states that this Ittai was a Gittite, but was not one of the six hundred (600) mentioned in verse 18.

1. This Ittai was a citizen of Gath who had recently come with his household from Gath. (Pulpit Commentary) 2. Ittai was a man of considerable military skill whom David made joint commander with Joab and Abishai. (Pulpit Commentary)

a. 2 Samuel 18:2, David sent the troops out—a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, "I myself will surely march out with you." (NIV)



2 Samuel 15:20, You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your countrymen. May kindness and faithfulness be with you." (NIV) I. You came only yesterday.

A. Ittai had not been in Jerusalem very long.

1. “Yesterday” conveys the idea that Ittai had only recently arrived in Jerusalem.

II. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going?

A. David unselfishly gave Ittai the option of safely returning to Jerusalem or go with him where a very uncertain future awaited them.

III. Go back, and take your countrymen.

A. It would be more practical for Ittai to return with his household to Jerusalem then to wander with David in the desert. B. David was testing Ittai’s loyalty. (See Anderson.)

IV. May kindness and faithfulness be with you.”

A. This sentence has been variously translated, “May the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you” and “mercy and truth be with thee.” (See Coffman, ASV, AV, NIV) B. This means according to Clarke “May God ever show thee mercy, as thou showest it to me, and his truth ever preserve thee from error and delusion!”



2 Samuel 15:21, But Ittai replied to the king, "As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be." (NIV) I. But Ittai replied to the king, “As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, . . .

A. Ittai swore by the Lord God of Israel that he would follow and be loyal to David whether he lived or died as a result. B. Ittai and Absalom were absolute opposites, one loyal and one, the son, a rebellious traitor.

II. Wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.”

A. Ittai’s group included some powerful soldiers and Ittai himself was a very powerful and skilled general. (Coffman)

1. Coffman based this on the fact that David placed him in command of a third of the army that defeated Absalom and his forces.

a. 2 Samuel 18:2, David sent the troops out—a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab's brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, "I myself will surely march out with you." (NIV)

2 Samuel 15:22, David said to Ittai, "Go ahead, march on." So Ittai the Gittite marched on with all his men and the families that were with him. (NIV)



I. David said to Ittai, “Go ahead, march on.”

A. David welcomed Ittai to his continued service and told him to “march on” over the Kidron Valley. (See Smith.)

II. So Ittai the Gittite marched on with all his men and the families that were with him.

A. Ittai made a crucial decision, a right decision. B. His future with David and Solomon was indeed bright!

2 Samuel 15:23, The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the desert. (NIV) I. The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by.

A. Everyone who observed David’s departure from Jerusalem sorely grieved and wept. B. This makes it clear that David continued to enjoy popular support from the citizenry.

II. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the desert.

A. “The Kidron Valley is the deep ravine to the east of Jerusalem which separates the city from the Mount of Olives,” Smith wrote. B. They marched toward the desert; that is, the wilderness of Judea . . .,” Smith stated.



1. The journey to the Transjorden would take David by Jericho through the Arabah, to the ford of the Jordan. (See Pulpit Commentary)

a. Jeremiah 39:4, When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled; they left the city at night by way of the king's garden, through the gate between the two walls, and headed toward the Arabah. (NIV)

C. Clarke observed that the brook Kidron was an inconsiderable brook, and contained water only in the winter rainy season.

1. John 18:1, When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. (KJV) 2. The Pulpit Commentary states the Kidron Brook carried off the rainfall from the Valley of Jehoshaphat.

2 Samuel 15:24, Zadok was there, too, and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city. (NIV) I. Zadok was there, too, and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God.

A. Zadok, the high priest, and all the Levites who carried the ark accompanied David.

1. 1 Samuel 6:15, The Levites took down the ark of the LORD, together with the chest containing the gold objects, and placed them on the large rock. On that day



the people of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and made sacrifices to the LORD. (NIV)

B. The priests knew David had been divinely given the kingdom and that God had not deposed him. (See Clarke.)

1. The priests, therefore, gave their support to David. (Clarke)

II. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city.

A. The NIV alone refers to these sacrifices.

1. Time was certainly short and the emergency real!

B. The ark of God was placed along the road and, as David’s supporters passed by, Zadok may have offered the sacrifices to ask God’s blessing upon the fleeing king.

1. David had certainly successfully fled from Saul, and now he fled from Absalom.

2 Samuel 15:25, Then the king said to Zadok, "Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the LORD's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. (NIV) I. Then the king said to Zadok, . . . II. “Take the ark of God back into the city.

A. The Lord could bless David with or without the ark’s being with him.

1. The presence of the ark did not guarantee success.



a. 1 Samuel 4:1-18, Now the Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines. The Israelites camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines at Aphek. The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand of them on the battlefield. When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, "Why did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the LORD's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies." So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. When the ark of the LORD's covenant came into the camp, all Israel raised such a great shout that the ground shook. Hearing the uproar, the Philistines asked, "What's all this shouting in the Hebrew camp?" When they learned that the ark of the LORD had come into the camp, the Philistines were afraid. "A god has come into the camp," they said. "We're in trouble! Nothing like this has happened before. Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert. Be strong, Philistines! Be men, or you will be subject to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Be men, and fight!" So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. The ark of God was captured, and



Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died. Death of Eli That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line and went to Shiloh, his clothes torn and dust on his head. When he arrived, there was Eli sitting on his chair by the side of the road, watching, because his heart feared for the ark of God. When the man entered the town and told what had happened, the whole town sent up a cry. Eli heard the outcry and asked, "What is the meaning of this uproar?" The man hurried over to Eli, who was ninety-eight years old and whose eyes were set so that he could not see. He told Eli, "I have just come from the battle line; I fled from it this very day." Eli asked, "What happened, my son?" The man who brought the news replied, "Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavy losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured." When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man and heavy. He had led Israel forty years. (NIV)

B. “The ark was too precious to be exposed to the dangers of David’s migrations,” Clarke wrote.

1. Also, the ark was to remain the center of worship in Jerusalem, the nation’s capital. 2. In addition, Zadok, his sons and Abiathar’s son were to act as spies for David.

III. If I find favor in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again.



2 Samuel 15:26, But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,' then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." (NIV) I. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; . . . II. let him do to me whatever seems good to him.”

A. In all the situations of life in which we find ourselves, let us, like David, be accepting of and resigned to whatever seems good to God. B. David’s “whole attitude here was one of submission to God; he would fearlessly trust the outcome of Absalom’s rebellion to the Lord. Let God’s will be done,” Coffman wrote.

2 Samuel 15:27, The king also said to Zadok the priest, "Aren't you a seer? Go back to the city in peace, with your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan son of Abiathar. You and Abiathar take your two sons with you. (NIV) I. The king also said to Zadok the priest, . . . II. “Aren’t you a seer? Go back to the city in peace, with your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan son of Abiathar.

A. Zadok, as a prophet, along with his son, Ahimaaz, and Jonathan, son of Abiathar, would be most valuable as spies in Jerusalem. B. Ahimaaz was “a famous runner” and could speedily get intelligence messages from Jerusalem to David. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)



1. 2 Samuel 18:27, The watchman said, "It seems to me that the first one runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok." "He's a good man," the king said. "He comes with good news." (NIV)

III. You and Abiathar take your two sons with you.

A. Zadok and Abiathar would be best able to serve David as spies in Jerusalem and their sons could best serve as messenger couriers bringing intelligence to David.

2 Samuel 15:28, I will wait at the fords in the desert until word comes from you to inform me." (NIV) I. I will wait at the fords in the desert until word comes from you to inform me.”

A. Smith identified these fords as “the fords of the Jordan in the wilderness of Judea.” B. “David believed that he would be safe in Transjordan,” Smith wrote. C. These priests would be a prime source of intelligence information on Absalom’s rebellion which would be a wondrous help to David. D. The fords of the Jordan would be a position that could be more easily defended. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

1. Judges 3:28, "Follow me," he ordered, "for the LORD has given Moab, your enemy, into your hands." So they followed him down and, taking possession of the fords of the Jordan that led to Moab, they allowed no one to cross over. (NIV)



2. 2 Samuel 17:22, So David and all the people with him set out and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, no one was left who had not crossed the Jordan. (NIV)

2 Samuel 15:29, So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there. (NIV) I. So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there.

A. The presence of the ark of God was not a guarantee of success.

1. 1 Samuel 4:1-22, Now the Israelites went out to fight against the Philistines. The Israelites camped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines at Aphek. The Philistines deployed their forces to meet Israel, and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about four thousand of them on the battlefield. When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, "Why did the LORD bring defeat upon us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the LORD's covenant from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies." So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. When the ark of the LORD's covenant came into the camp, all Israel raised such a great shout that the ground shook. Hearing the uproar, the Philistines asked, "What's all this shouting in the Hebrew camp?" When they learned that the ark of the LORD had come into the camp, the Philistines were afraid. "A god has come into the camp," they said. "We're in trouble! Nothing like this has



happened before. Woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert. Be strong, Philistines! Be men, or you will be subject to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Be men, and fight!" So the Philistines fought, and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great; Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. The ark of God was captured, and Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died. Death of Eli That same day a Benjamite ran from the battle line and went to Shiloh, his clothes torn and dust on his head. When he arrived, there was Eli sitting on his chair by the side of the road, watching, because his heart feared for the ark of God. When the man entered the town and told what had happened, the whole town sent up a cry. Eli heard the outcry and asked, "What is the meaning of this uproar?" The man hurried over to Eli, who was ninety-eight years old and whose eyes were set so that he could not see. He told Eli, "I have just come from the battle line; I fled from it this very day." Eli asked, "What happened, my son?" The man who brought the news replied, "Israel fled before the Philistines, and the army has suffered heavy losses. Also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured." When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man and heavy. He had led Israel forty years. His daughter-in-law, the wife of Phinehas, was pregnant and near the time of delivery. When she heard the news that the ark of God had been captured and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she went into labor and gave birth, but was overcome by her labor pains. As she was dying, the women attending her said, "Don't despair; you have given birth to a son."



But she did not respond or pay any attention. She named the boy Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel"-because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband. She said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured." (NIV)

2. 2 Samuel 6:6-11, When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David was angry because the LORD's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. David was afraid of the LORD that day and said, "How can the ark of the LORD ever come to me?" He was not willing to take the ark of the LORD to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the LORD blessed him and his entire household. (NIV)

2 Samuel 15:30, But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up. (NIV) I. But David continued up the Mount of Olives, (the ascent of the olive trees or the slope of olives) weeping as he went; . . .

A. Even mighty men of God suffer hardships and experience broken hearts.



1. Jeremiah 14:3, The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns but find no water. They return with their jars unfilled; dismayed and despairing, they cover their heads. (NIV) 2. Ezekiel 24:17, Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover the lower part of your face or eat the customary food of mourners ." (NIV)

II. his head was covered and he was barefoot.

A. Without shoes and in mourning with his head covered, David left Jerusalem. B. Tatum via Coffman called this, “One of the saddest passages in the Bible.” C. Covering of the head was “a sign of grief among the Persians, Egyptians, Romans as well as the Hebrews.” (The Pulpit Commentary.)

1. The covering would conceal the shedding of tears. 2. Ezekiel 24:17, Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover the lower part of your face or eat the customary food of mourners ." (NIV) 3. Going barefoot was a sign of even deeper humiliation. (The Pulpit Commentary.) 4. It was from the top of the Mount of Olives, according to the Jewish Midrash, that David composed Psalm 3 although



The Pulpit Commentary places the writing at the fords of the Jordan.

III. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up.

A. This reminds us of Jesus’ and his disciples’ going to the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane where our Lord was betrayed. B. Scriptures:

1. 2 Samuel 13:19, Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the ornamented robe she was wearing. She put her hand on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went. (NIV) 2. Nehemiah 9:1, On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads. (NIV) 3. Job 2:12, When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. (NIV)

2 Samuel 15:31, Now David had been told, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." So David prayed, "O LORD, turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness." (NIV) I. Now David had been told, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.”

A. This would enable Absalom to act wisely providing him with the best possible guidance.



B. One of the reasons for Absalom’s defeat was his failure to quickly follow Ahithophel’s advice. C. When Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he committed suicide, but more about this later.

II. So David prayed, “O Lord, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.”

A. God answered David’s prayer immediately by providing Hushai to thwart Ahithophel’s advice.

2 Samuel 15:32, When David arrived at the summit, where people used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite was there to meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head. (NIV) I. When David arrived at the summit, where people used to worship God, . . .

A. Heathens or people from the east approaching Jerusalem may have worshiped there. (See Smith.) B. “The summit of the Mount of Olives was one of the many bamoth, or high places, situated on the top of hills, where, in the old Canaanitish time, men had sorshipped their heathenish deities. They were still regarded as consecrated places, but the worship had now been transferred to Elohim, the true God.” (The Pulpit Commentary.)

1. 2 Kings 23:8, Josiah brought all the priests from the towns of Judah and desecrated the high places, from Geba to Beersheba, where the priests had burned incense. He broke down the shrines at the gates—at the entrance



to the Gate of Joshua, the city governor, which is on the left of the city gate. (NIV)

C. Coffman wrote, “The words, ‘where God was worshipped,’ refer to the fact that David and his company paused there to worship God, despite the fact of their lives all being in the most serious jeopardy.”

II. Hushai the Arkite was there to meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head.

A. In mourning, Hushai met David on the summit of Mount Sinai.

1. Hushai, David’s friend, was the beginning of God’s answer to David’s prayer.

a. Clarke considered Hushai to be a wise, prudent, and discreet man, not a warrior.

2. While, perhaps due to age and/or health, Hushai would be a burden to David in travel, he could otherwise be a tremendous help to David by returning to Jerusalem and, as a respected counselor in his own right, frustrate Ahithopel’s advice that would have benefited Absalom. 3. Hushai would then pass information to Zadok and Abiathar who would in turn get this intelligence to David through their sons as arranged previously with David. 4. This was a very dangerous assignment, but Hushai did not hesitate to accept it. (Smith)

B. David was a skilled tactician, a mighty warrior, a formidable opponent.



1. If David had been half this decisive with his sons, he would have saved Israel and himself a world of trouble!

C. The Arkites were, according to Youngblood, descended from Canaan, grandson of Noah.

1. Genesis 10:17, Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, (NIV) 2. 1 Chronicles 1:15, Hivites, Arkites, Sinites, (NIV) 3. They lived in Arka in Phoenicia, near bethel in the tribe of Manasseh. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

D. Hushai was in mourning which was evidenced by having his coat, robe torn and his head covered with dust.

1. The Pulpit Commentary identifies this robe as the under tunic, the tearing of which was a sign of deeper sorrow.

2 Samuel 15:33, David said to him, "If you go with me, you will be a burden to me. (NIV) I. David said to him, “If you go with me, you will be a burden to me.

A. Most likely Hushai at this time was advanced in age and infirm making his going with David in travel a burden. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

2 Samuel 15:34, But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, 'I will be your servant, O king; I was your father's servant in the past, but now I will be your servant,' then you can help me by frustrating Ahithophel's advice. (NIV) I. But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, . . .



II. ‘I will be your servant, O king; I was your father’s servant in the past, but now I will be your servant,’ . . .

A. David met treachery with treachery, a successful strategy, but was this approach right, justified under the circumstances?

III. then you can help me by frustrating Ahithophel’s advice. 2 Samuel 15:35, Won't the priests Zadok and Abiathar be there with you? Tell them anything you hear in the king's palace. (NIV) I. Won’t the priests Zadok and Abiathar be there with you? II. Tell them anything you hear in the king’s palace. 2 Samuel 15:36, Their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with anything you hear." (NIV)_ I. Their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. II. Send them to me with anything you hear.” 2 Samuel 15:37, So David's friend Hushai arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city. (NIV) I. So David’s friend Hushai arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city.

A. “David’s friend” may be a court title for the king’s confidential advisor. (See Smith.)



1. 1 Kings 4:5, Azariah son of Nathan—in charge of the district officers; Zabud son of Nathan—a priest and personal adviser to the king; (NIV)

B. Hushai arrived back in time to greet Absalom as he entered the capital.

1. No doubt he had bathed, put on clean clothes so as to impressively meet Absalom. (See Smith.)

C. Evidently David left just in time because Absalom quickly thereafter entered Jerusalem.

1. Absalom evidently entered Jerusalem on the day David left. 2. 2 Samuel 17:1-3, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "I would choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed." (NIV)

Conclusion: I. Smith well wrote, “David showed that he did not think that his trust in Yahweh absolved him of the responsibility of taking all possible measures on his own account for the success of his cause.”

A. 2 Samuel 15:27-28, The king also said to Zadok the priest, "Aren't you a seer? Go back to the city in peace, with your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan son of Abiathar. You and Abiathar



take your two sons with you. I will wait at the fords in the desert until word comes from you to inform me." (NIV)

II. The agony of these days in which David faced Absalom’s rebellion, coup d’etat, are reflected in several psalms.

A. Psalm 3:1-8, O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. (NIV) B. Psalm 4:1-8, Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD. Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (NIV) C. Psalm 27:1-14, The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they



will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (NIV) D. Psalm 41:1-13, Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you." My enemies say of me in malice, "When will he die and his name perish?" Whenever one comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it abroad. All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me, saying, "A vile disease has beset him; he will never get



up from the place where he lies." Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them. I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen. (NIV) E. Psalm 61:1-8, Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you have heard my vows, O God; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations. May he be enthroned in God's presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day. (NIV) F. Psalm 62:1-12, My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence? They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies.With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath. Do not trust



in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them. One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done. (NIV)

III. In David’s experiences we see the extremes to which life can take us.

A. No one is exempt from life’s vicissitudes.

1. We bring some of these troubles upon ourselves. 2. We endure some troubles simply because we live in a wicked world.

B. It is not whether we will suffer troubles, but how we cope with troubles when they present themselves.



Questions

on

2 Samuel 15:1-37

(Questions based on NIV text.)

1. If Absalom were the rightful heir to the throne, why didn’t he patiently wait until David died? If Absalom were not a serious contender for the throne, why didn’t David stop him once and for all at the first sign of subversion? (See Anderson.) _____________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What have you learned from your study of David’s family troubles? _ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. At the first sign of Absalom’s coming rebellion, why didn’t David put a forceful, decisive stop to it once and for all? __________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



4. Why was Absalom “qualified” to be king? _____________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. Why was Absalom not qualified to be king? ____________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. Why did Absalom provide himself a chariot, horses and fifty (50) men to run ahead of him? _____________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. What did Absalom do by the side of the road leading to the city gate? What was his goal in doing these things? _________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. How was Israel’s judicial system organized? What were its strengths and weaknesses? ____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9. At what “gate” did Absalom stand? Why was this place chosen? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. What did Absalom tell the people that was true? . . . that was false? (See verses 3-4.) ____________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. Was Absalom a hypocrite? Support your answer with facts. (See verse 5.) ___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 12. How can voters identify candidates for public office who are sincerely working for the common good and those who are self-centered and hypocritical? Would you say some candidates fall into both groups? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



13. What does “he stole the hearts of the men of Israel” mean? What can we do to keep our hearts from being stolen? ___________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. Should the translation of verse 7 be four or forty years? When did this period begin and end? ____________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. Was Absalom lying in verses 8-9? If so, why didn’t David not realize this and forbid him to leave Jerusalem? ____________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 16. Why did Absalom decide to launch his coup d’etat from Hebron? __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. How did word reach all Israel that Absalom had been proclaimed king in Hebron? Give details. _________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. Who were the two hundred (200) men who went with Absalom from Jerusalem to Hebron? Why did they accompany Absalom to Hebron? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19. Who was Ahithophel? At what point did he join Absalom’s conspiracy, at Hebron or before? _______________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 20. When and how did David learn of Absalom’s rebellion? __________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 21. Was David’s decision to flee Jerusalem a wise military/political decision? Why or why not? ___________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



22. Why did David leave ten (10) of his concubines in Jerusalem? What happened to them? Had this been prophesied? If so, when, by whom and under what circumstances? ________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 23. Who were the Kerethites and the Pelethites? ___________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 24. Who were the six hundred Gittites? Give the history of their relationship with David. ______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 25. According to Smith, _________________ had the ______________ of the _________________________ ___________________________, while ____________________ was ________________________ by the ______________________. 26. Who was Ittai? Why did David at first tell him to, “Go back and stay with king Absalom?” _____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 27. What does, “May kindness and faithfulness be with you,” mean? (See verse 20d.) _____________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 28. What decision did Ittai reach? (See verse 20.) __________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 29. What did his future hold? __________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 30. Give as much information as possible about the Kidron Valley and the brook that flowed through it. ________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



31. Who were Zadok, Abiathar, Ahimaaz and Jonathan? _____________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 32. What is a seer? Was Zadok a seer, a priest or both? _____________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 33. Why was the ark of God taken out of Jerusalem? Would its presence have assured David victory? ___________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 34. Why did David tell Zadok, Abiathar, Jonathan and Ahimaaz to return to Jerusalem? _________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 35. Having left Jerusalem, where did David plan to go? Why did he go to that region? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 36. Even ______________ ___________________ of ______________ ____________________ ______________ and ____________________ __________________ ______________________. 37. Why did David cover his head and go without shoes as he left Jerusalem? _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 38. Compare David’s conduct on this occasion with Christ’s actions as he approached the end of his earthly ministry regarding the Kidron Valley and the Mount of Olives. ________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 39. How did Ahithophel’s association with Absalom affect David? ____ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 40. For what did David pray? __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 41. List as many things as you can that happened on the summit of the Mount of Olives. (See verse 32 and other scriptures.) _______________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 42. Who was Hushai? Who were the Arkites? Where did they live? ___ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 43. How did Hushai serve David? Was Hushai an answer to David’s prayer? If so, how was he the answer to David’s prayer? ____________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 44. Hushai could best serve David in Jerusalem rather than with David in his travels. All of us have strong points and weak points. In what ways can you best serve the Lord with the talents he has given you? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



45. David met treachery with treachery. Was this right? If not, how would you have handled the situation? ___________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 46. How much time elapsed between David’s departure from and Absalom’s arrival in Jerusalem? ________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 47. When did Hushai, David’s friend, arrive back in Jerusalem? Why was this important? What is the meaning of the designation, “David’s friend?” ___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 48. List the psalms David wrote during or in relation to this time of conflict with Absalom. Write a summary sentence or two about the content of each of these psalms. ________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



49. “___________________ showed that he did not think that his ______________________ in __________________ _______________ him of the ____________________ of taking all possible _______________________ on his own account for the _____________ of his __________________,” Smith well wrote. 50. In David’s life we see the extreme to which life can take us. List extremes in David’s life. List extremes in your life. ________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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