2 SAMUEL 15
15.1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
· Absalom's intent is to dethrone his father. By preparing for himself chariots and horses, Absalom is setting himself up as royalty in the eyes of the people of Israel.
· Absalom is no sooner restored to his place at court than he aims to be in the throne. It has been said that those who aim at a crown, aim at the head that wears it.
· Thus the prophecy that evil should arise against him out of his own house is snowballing out of control.
15.2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy (complaint) came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
15.3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
15.4 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!
· We see here how Absalom stirred up dissatisfaction with the people concerning his father’s administration. Stirring up the pot of dissatisfaction and incompetence is always a tactic of a person who has an agenda or ulterior motives.
· Now it cannot be denied that David did not handle the situation with Amnon and Tamar properly. When Amnon raped Tamar David did nothing; when Absalom did something about it, David banished Absalom and kept him at a distance even when he came back.
· So essentially what Absalom is saying here is this: You know, Dad is getting a little old and forgetful. He’s not the same man that he used to be. He’s not thinking clearly anymore and he really is unable to relate to what your real needs are…..he doesn’t care for you like I do!!!
· Matthew Henry wisely writes: the best qualified are the most modest and self-diffident, while it is no better than the spirit of an Absalom that says, O that I were a judge in Israel!
15.5 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.
15.6 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.
· Public hearings were always conducted early in the morning in a court held outside by the city gates. Absalom positioned himself there to win favor. Because King David was busy with other matters or with wars, and was also aging, many matters were left unresolved, building a deep feeling of resentment among the people. Absalom used that situation to undermine his father, by gratifying all he could with a favorable settlement and showing them all warm cordiality. Thus, he won the people to himself, without them knowing his wicked ambition. John MacArthur
· It is pretty obvious that Absalom played upon the hearts and sympathies of the people in setting himself up as the next rightful king.
· David Guzik from Enduring Word Ministries gives us at least 7 ways that Absalom stole the hearts of the people:
o He carefully cultivated an exciting, enticing image (chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him)
o He worked hard (Absalom would rise early)
o He knew where to position himself (beside the way to the gate)
o He looked for troubled people (anyone who had a lawsuit)
o He reached out to troubled people (Absalom would call to him)
o He took a personal interest in the troubled person (What city are you from?)
o He sympathized with the person (your case is good and right)
15.7 And it came to pass after forty years (4 years), that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron.
· We know from 2 Sam 3.2,3, that Absalom was born in Hebron.
15.8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.
· Absalom said he had made a vow while in Geshur (see 13:34, 37) that if he was restored to Jerusalem, he would offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving in Hebron, where sacrifices were often made before the temple was built.
· This is a classic example of taking The Lord’s Name in vain. Absalom is carelessly throwing around the name of Jehovah, as he lies to his father about what he is doing.
15.9 And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.
· Hebron is an important city in Israel's history, and the place where David was first anointed king of all Israel. Thus it would be a strategic site in Absalom's plan to steal the throne from his father. David, who always encouraged such religious devotion, gave his consent. It appears that David giving the green light to Absalom reveals here that he has no idea what Absalom is doing.
· Hebron was the capital city of Israel before David moved it to Jerusalem. When David moved the capital to Jerusalem, the men of Hebron were obviously upset. Once again, Absalom capitalized on their dissatisfaction with David.
15.10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.
15.11 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity (innocently), and they knew not any thing.
15.12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
· While he is offering sacrifices unto God, Absalom is forming a conspiracy against his father David. Absalom formed a conspiracy, which included taking some of the leading men to create the impression that the king supported this action.
· Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba who may have been looking for an opportunity to take some revenge on David for what he did to both his granddaughter and Urijah.
· Beloved, the roots of bitterness lie deep within the soul. Ahithophel will ultimately die as a result of wanting to get even with David. Bitterness will kill you saints….the wages of bitterness.
15.13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
15.14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
· David’s escape from Absalom is remembered in Ps. 3. This Psalm takes us deep into David’s heart and shows us how he handled one of those times which we all experience: a time when everything goes wrong and all seems hopeless.
· David knew well that his son Absalom was a ruthless man who valued power over principle. He didn't want the city of Jerusalem to become a battleground (strike the city with the edge of the sword) so he fled the city.
· Psalms 41, 61, 62, and 63 were also written during this period.
15.15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
15.16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
· A concubine was essentially a legal mistress. In addition to David's many wives, this shows that David was a man who sometimes indulged his passions instead of restraining them in a godly way.
15.17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
15.18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
· These are the "mighty men of David," the warriors of the king's bodyguard. Most of them had followed him and been loyal to him from before he became king. Here they are showing allegiance to David, showing the tremendous impact he had on them.
15.19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king:for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.
· Ittai the Gittite - A Philistine military officer who had been loyal to David, even at the expense of turning against his own countrymen.
15.20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.
15.21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.
· Ittai was loyal to David even though he realized that it might cost him something. It has been said that true loyalty isn't demonstrated until it is likely to cost us to be loyal.
15.22 And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.
15.23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.
· Kidron-This familiar valley, running north/south along the eastern side of Jerusalem, separates the city from the Mount of Olives.
· It reminds us of our Lord Jesus as He was rejected in Jerusalem, left the city, and crossed the Kidron to pray in the garden (John 18:1).
15.24 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
15.25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:
15.26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
· David is completely surrendered to the will of God for his life, whatver that may be. Jesus put it this way in the garden, not My will, but Thy will be done.
15.27 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
15.28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.
· No doubt Zadok, the Levites and Abiathar brought the ark to comfort David with assurance of God’s presence an d blessing. David rightly understood that as placing more confidence in the symbol of God’s presence than in God Himself, thus he instructed them to send it back. David knew the possession of the ark did not guarantee God’s blessing.
· It is amazing how superstition and religion often co-exist. Remember when Hezekiah broke the staff of Moses and called it Nehushtan, meaning it’s only brass. The Israelites were thinking that there was some supernatural power in the staff.
· Beloved, there is only One True supernatural power and that is The Almighty, All powerful Living God.
15.29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
15.30 And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.
· G. Campbell Morgan wrote:In light of all the facts it is almost certain that the tears David shed as he climbed Olivet, were rather those of humiliation and penitence, than those of self-centered regret.
15.31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
· This prayer would be heard. The queen-mother of Scotland was heard to say, that she more feared the prayers of John Knox than an army of fighting men.
· Beloved, the most effective way to go to battle against our enemies is on our knees.
· The “Judas” in David’s situation was his former friend Ahithophel; perhaps Ps. 55:12–15 was written at this time.
15.32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
· Like Paul and Silas in prison, David was weeping, but his weeping did not dissuade his worship. Perhaps you, too, are weeping or brokenhearted. Isaiah 61:3 says God gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
· One of the most important disciplines in the Christian life is purpose to worship The Lord in times of sorrow or sadness. When we are emotionally overwrought, the natural tendency is to crawl into bed, to pull back from people, to feel sorry for yourself. Precious brothers and sisters, if there was ever a time when you and I needed to extol The Lord and worship Him, it when we feel depressed, discouraged, unloved, or upset.
· Also note beloved that while David is worshipping, God in His wise providence sends Hushai the Archite who is going to be an instrument in His hands to spoil the counsel of Ahithophel.
15.33 Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:
15.34 But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat (frustrate) the counsel of Ahithophel.
15.35 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
15.36 Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.
15.37 So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
· David persuaded Hushai to return to Jerusalem and attach himself to Absalom as a counselor. His mission was to contradict the advice of Ahithophel (2 Sam. 17:5–14) and to communicate Absalom’s plans to David (17:21 18:19)
Shall we close out study tonight by simply reading the psalm that David wrote when fleeing from Absalom.
1 Lord, How are they increased that trouble me!
Many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul,
There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me;
My glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice,
And he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept;
I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people,
That have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God:
For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone;
Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord:
Thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.