“Absalom’s Rebellion” (Psalm 3, 55, 61-63) 2 Samuel 15 - 17 “Absalom’s Rebellion” (Psalm 3, 55, 61-63)

10 Now therefore, the sword will never leave your house because you despised Me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own wife.’ 11 “This is what the Lord says, ‘I am going to bring disaster on you from your own family: I will take your wives and give them to another before your very eyes, and he will sleep with them publicly. 12 You acted in secret, but I will do this before all Israel and in broad daylight.’ ” 2 Samuel 12:9-12 HCSB

2 Sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3 and his second, Chileab, by Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These were born to David at Hebron. 2 Samuel 3:2–5 (NASB95)

1. Amnon 2. Chileab (“Daniel”) 3. Absalom 4. Adonijah 5. Shephatiah 6 1. Amnon 2. Chileab (“Daniel”) 3. Absalom 4. Adonijah 5. Shephatiah 6. Ithream

14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. James 3:14–16 (NASB95)

1 After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him. 2 He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city.

3 Then Absalom would say, “You’ve really got a strong case here 3 Then Absalom would say, “You’ve really got a strong case here! It’s too bad the king doesn’t have anyone to hear it. 4 I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!” 5 When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn’t let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. 6 Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. 2 Samuel 15:3-4

7 After four years, Absalom said to the king, “Let me go to Hebron to offer a sacrifice to YaHWeH and fulfill a vow I made to Him. 8 For while your servant was at Geshur in Aram, I promised to sacrifice to YaHWeH in Hebron if He would bring me back to Jerusalem.” 2 Samuel 15:7-8

“At Hebron Absalom found himself twenty miles away from his father and protected by strong walls. From this relatively safe base of operations Absalom moved quickly to usurp David’s throne.” Robert Bergen

One of the most brilliant aspects of Absalom’s plot to overthrow his father may have been his success in emptying Jerusalem of some of its most valuable administrators at the very time when David needed them most. “Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom to Hebron”. Each one had been hand-picked by Absalom and had come “quite innocently,” being only “invited guests.” Once inside the walls of Hebron, however, they became his hostages.

13 A messenger soon arrived in Jerusalem to tell David, “All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you!” 14 “Then we must flee at once, or it will be too late!” David urged his men. “Hurry! If we get out of the city before Absalom arrives, both we and the city of Jerusalem will be spared from disaster.” 2 Samuel 15:13-14

25 Then the king instructed Zadok to take the Ark of God back into the city. “If YaHWeH sees fit,” David said, “He will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again. 26 But if He is through with me, then let Him do what seems best to Him.” 2 Samuel 15:25-26

30 David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went 30 David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning. 2 Samuel 15:30

“Each heart knows its own bitterness…” “This wasn't a pity-party merely over the consequences of his sin. He is crushed by the consciousness that his punishment is deserved - the bitter fruit of the sin that filled all his later life with darkness. His courage and his buoyancy have left him.” Maclaren Proverbs 14:10

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:3–5 Psalm 51:17

When someone told David that his adviser Ahithophel was now backing Absalom, David prayed, “O YaHWeH, let Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice!” 2 Samuel 15:31

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be accompanied by stringed instruments. 1 Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! 2 Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. 3 My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down. Psalm 55 (NLT)

4 My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me 4 My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. 5 Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking. 6 Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! 7 I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. Selah 9 Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city… Psalm 55

12 It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that 12 It is not an enemy who taunts me— I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me— I could have hidden from them. 13 Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend. 14 What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God… Psalm 55

20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises 20 As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. 21 His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! Psalm 55

9 Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. 10 YaHWeH, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! 18 “I am not saying these things to all of you; I know the ones I have chosen. But this fulfills the Scripture that says, ‘The one who eats my food has turned against me.’ 19 I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I Am the Messiah. (John 13) Psalm 41:9-10

32 When David reached the summit of the Mount of Olives…Hushai the Arkite was waiting there for him. Hushai had torn his clothing and put dirt on his head as a sign of mourning. 33 But David told him, “If you go with me, you will only be a burden. 34 Return to Jerusalem and tell Absalom, ‘I will now be your adviser, O king, just as I was your father’s adviser in the past.’ Then you can frustrate and counter Ahithophel’s advice. 2 Samuel 15:32-37

A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom A psalm of David, regarding the time David fled from his son Absalom. 1 O YaHWeH, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. 2 So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” Selah 3 But you, O YaHWeH, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. 4 I cried out to YaHWeH, and he answered me from his holy mountain. Selah Psalm 3 (NLT)

5 I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for YaHWeH was watching over me. 6 I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side. 7 Arise, O YaHWeH! Rescue me, my God! Slap all my enemies in the face! Shatter the teeth of the wicked! 8 Victory comes from you, O YaHWeH. May you bless your people. Selah Psalm 3

“In that case,” the king told Ziba, “I give you everything Mephibosheth owns.” “I bow before you,” Ziba replied. “May I always be pleasing to you, my Lord the king.” Proverbs 18:13 (NKJV) He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him…17 (NIV84) The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him. 2 Samuel 16:4

It was Shimei son of Gera, from the same clan as Saul’s family It was Shimei son of Gera, from the same clan as Saul’s family. 6 He threw stones at the king and the king’s officers and all the mighty warriors who surrounded him. 7 “Get out of here, you murderer, you scoundrel!” he shouted at David. 8 “YaHWeH is paying you back for all the bloodshed in Saul’s clan. You stole his throne, and now YaHWeH has given it to your son Absalom. At last you will taste some of your own medicine, for you are a murderer!” 2 Samuel 16:5-8

Charles Haddon Spurgeon "It is very hard to bear a cowardly attack. One is very apt to reply and use hard words to one who takes advantage of your position and deals you the coward's blow. Only the coward (and the devil!) strikes a man when he is down." Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Shimei was right that YaHWeH had brought this upon David, but not for any of the reasons Shimei thought. David didn't try to shut up Shimei. He didn't close his ears to unpleasant or critical words. David was willing to hear what God might say to him through a cursing critic. David let Shimei speak because he was not a bloodthirsty man. Ironically, if David were the kind of man Shimei said he was, Shimei would be dead. David Guzik

9 “Why should this dead dog curse my Lord the king 9 “Why should this dead dog curse my Lord the king?” Abishai son of Zeruiah demanded. “Let me go over and cut off his head!” 10 “No!” the king said. “Who asked your opinion, you sons of Zeruiah! If YaHWeH has told him to curse me, who are you to stop him?”… “My own son is trying to kill me. Doesn’t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? 2 Samuel 16:9-14

15 Meanwhile, Absalom and all the army of Israel arrived at Jerusalem, accompanied by Ahithophel. 16 When David’s friend Hushai the Arkite arrived, he went immediately to see Absalom. “Long live the king!” he exclaimed. “Long live the king!” 17 “Is this the way you treat your friend David?” Absalom asked him. “Why aren’t you with him?” 2 Samuel 16:15-17

It is better to take refuge in YaHWeH than to trust in princes. Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and asked him, “What should I do next?” Psalm 118:9 (NASB95) It is better to take refuge in YaHWeH than to trust in princes. 2 Samuel 16:20

21 Ahithophel told him, “Go and sleep with your father’s concubines, for he has left them here to look after the palace. Then all Israel will know that you have insulted your father beyond hope of reconciliation, and they will throw their support to you.” 22 So they set up a tent on the palace roof where everyone could see it, and Absalom went in and had sex with his father’s concubines. 2 Samuel 16:21-22

1 Now Ahithophel urged Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight. 2 I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic, and everyone will run away. Then I will kill only the king, 3 and I will bring all the people back to you as a bride returns to her husband. 2 Samuel 17:1-3

7 “Well,” Hushai replied to Absalom, “this time Ahithophel has made a mistake. 8 You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors. Right now they are as enraged as a mother bear who has been robbed of her cubs. And remember that your father is an experienced man of war. He won’t be spending the night among the troops. 2 Samuel 17:7-8

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. In Ahithophel's plan Ahithophel led the battle; in Hushai's plan Absalom led the battle. David Guzik Proverbs 16:18 (NASB95) Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

“Hushai’s speech spoken in response to Absalom’s invitation is masterful in its construction and powerful in its effect: it simultaneously discredits Ahithophel, undermines Absalom’s confidence, magnifies the king’s worst fears, and buys David precious time to escape and regroup. In the end it lays the foundation for David’s return to Jerusalem.” Robert Bergen

Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “Hushai’s advice is better than Ahithophel’s.” For YaHWeH had determined to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel, which really was the better plan, so that he could bring disaster on Absalom! 2 Samuel 17:14

"This is one of the great principles of life which every page of the Bible emphasizes and illustrates. Men cannot escape God. They go their own way, but that way never sets them free from the authority and the invincible power of God." G. Campbell Morgan

17 Jonathan and Ahimaaz had been staying at En-rogel so as not to be seen entering and leaving the city. Arrangements had been made for a servant girl to bring them the message they were to take to King David. 18 But a boy spotted them at En-rogel, and he told Absalom about it. So they quickly escaped to Bahurim, where a man hid them down inside a well in his courtyard. 2 Samuel 17:17-22

When Ahithophel realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself. He died there and was buried in the family tomb. "Suicide is always the ultimate action of cowardice. In the case of Saul, and in many similar cases, it is perfectly natural; but let it never be glorified as heroic. It is the last resort of the man who dare not stand up to life." (G. Campbell Morgan) 2 Samuel 17:23

By now, Absalom had mobilized the entire army of Israel and was leading his troops across the Jordan River. 25 Absalom had appointed Amasa as commander of his army, replacing Joab, who had been commander under David. (Amasa was Joab’s cousin. His father was Jether, an Ishmaelite. His mother, Abigail daughter of Nahash, was the sister of Joab’s mother, Zeruiah.) 26 Absalom and the Israelite army set up camp in the land of Gilead. 2 Samuel 17:24-26

27 When David arrived at Mahanaim, he was warmly greeted by Shobi son of Nahash, who came from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and by Makir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and by Barzillai of Gilead from Rogelim. 28 They brought sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans, lentils, 29 honey, butter, sheep, goats, and cheese for David and those who were with him. For they said, “You must all be very hungry and tired and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness.” 2 Samuel 17:27-29

Psalm 61-63