The story so far Absalom -3 rd son of David

The story so far Absalom -3 rd son of David - in revenge kills brother

The story so far Absalom -3 rd son of David - in revenge kills brother - estranged from David

The story so far David the great King - getting older Absalom -3 rd son of David - in revenge kills brother - estranged from David

The story so far David the great King - getting older Absalom -3 rd son of David - in revenge kills brother - estranged from David - struggles to be reconciled with Absalom

David refuses to be reconciled 2 Samuel Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king’s face. 29 Then Absalom sent for Joab in order to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. For two years Absalom seeks further help from Joab to meet his father

But David refuses to be reconciled 2 Samuel 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. Eventually Absalom persuades Joab to persuade David to let them meet

Absalom grows in power and boldness 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

Absalom grows in power and boldness 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.” looks for people with a grievance

Absalom grows in power and boldness 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.” 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 they receive justice.” looks for people with a grievance sowing a seed of his better way looks for people with a grievance sowing a seed of his better way

Absalom grows in power and boldness 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. 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 people of Israel. deliberately taking loyalty from David

Eventually Absalom seeks permission to go to Hebron 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. 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. Hebron:Absalom's birthplace Place where David was anointed king

Absalom creates illusion of power 2 Samuel 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.

Absalom creates illusion of power 2 Samuel 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. Ahithopel goes to Absalom

David given message of his loss of the people 2 Samuel A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.”

David leaves to save the city from violence 2 Samuel 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 on us and put the city to the sword. ”

David leaves to save the city from violence 2 Samuel 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 the edge of the city. 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.

David concerned that others be ok 2 Samuel 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 people with you. May the LORD show you kindness and faithfulness.” Does not have much hope for future

David still inspires loyalty and support 2 Samuel 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.

David still inspires loyalty and support 2 Samuel 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 wilderness. David returns to the wilderness

David does not believe he is worthy of God’s help 2 Samuel 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 favour 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.” David does not use the Ark to force God to save him as the people had done with Samuel

David does not believe he is worthy of God’s help 2 Samuel The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Do you understand? Go back to the city with my blessing. Take your son Ahimaaz with you, and also Abiathar’s son Jonathan. You and Abiathar return with your two sons. 28 I will wait at the fords in the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there.

David does not believe he is worthy of God’s help 2 Samuel 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. David grieves

David prays against Ahithophel helping Absalom David sends Hushai back as a spy David meets Ziba, servant of Mephibosheth

David cursed by Shimei 2 Samuel 16 5 As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. 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. 7 As he cursed, Shimei said, “ Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! 8 The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!”

David cursed by Shimei 2 Samuel 16 9 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.” Abishai wants to defend David by killing Shimei

2 Samuel But the king said, “What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the LORD said to him, ‘Curse David,’ who can ask, ‘Why do you do this?’” 11 David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone ; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. 12 It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” David cursed by Shimei David does not want defending - can’t be worse that Absalom - can’t be sure God is with him

David cursed by Shimei 2 Samuel So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. 14 The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.

Hushai, careful not to lie, offers his service to Absalom Hushai, careful not to lie, offers his service to Absalom Ahithophel advises Absalom to pursue David Hushai gives different advice - wait and gather more men Hushai gives different advice - wait and gather more men Hushai sends warning to David

David gets his army ready 2 Samuel 18 1 David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. 2 David sent out his troops, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite.

David wants to lead the army 2 Samuel The king told the troops, “I myself will surely march out with you.” 3 But the men said, “ You must not go out ; if we are forced to flee, they won’t care about us. Even if half of us die, they won’t care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better now for you to give us support from the city.” But the men feel he would be a liability if they need to flee

David instructs care for Absalom - his son 2 Samuel 18 4 The king answered, “ I will do whatever seems best to you.” So the king stood beside the gate while all his men marched out in units of hundreds and of thousands. 5 The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders.

David’s army win 2 Samuel 18 6 David’s army marched out of the city to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. 7 There Israel’s troops were routed by David’s men, and the casualties that day were great—twenty thousand men. 8 The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest swallowed up more men that day than the sword.

Absalom caught by his hair 2 Samuel 18 9 Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.

Absalom caught by his hair 2 Samuel When one of the men saw what had happened, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree.” 11 Joab said to the man who had told him this, “What! You saw him? Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt.” Joab wanted Absalom killed

Absalom caught by his hair 2 Samuel But the man replied, “Even if a thousand shekels were weighed out into my hands, I would not lay a hand on the king’s son. In our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.’ 13 And if I had put my life in jeopardy—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have kept your distance from me.” Joab wanted Absalom killed but soldier remembered David’s instruction

Absalom caught by his hair 2 Samuel Joab said, “I’m not going to wait like this for you.” So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. 15 And ten of Joab’s armor–bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him. Joab leads in killing Absalom

Absalom buried under rocks 2 Samuel Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and the troops stopped pursuing Israel, for Joab halted them. 17 They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled to their homes.

2 Samuel Then the Cushite arrived and said, “My lord the king, hear the good news! The LORD has vindicated you today by delivering you from the hand of all who rose up against you.” 32 The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.” News is taken to David

2 Samuel The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “ O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son! ” 2 Samuel 19 1 Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” David heart broken for Absalom

Absalom Fixated on what he wants

Absalom holds onto grievance against the one who let him down Fixated on what he wants

Absalom holds onto grievance against the one who let him down Fixated on what he wants believes he can do better

Absalom holds onto grievance against the one who let him down Fixated on what he wants believes he can do better believes he is entitled

Absalom Manipulates - end justifies means - takes what he believes to be his holds onto grievance against the one who let him down Fixated on what he wants believes he can do better believes he is entitled

Absalom Manipulates - end justifies means - takes what he believes to be his holds onto grievance against the one who let him down Fixated on what he wants believes he can do better believes he is entitled Cannot force God’s hand

David Believes he is unpopular

David Believes he is unpopular 2 Samuel A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.”

David Believes he is unpopular not aware of real popularity 2 Samuel 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.

David Believes he is unpopular not aware of real popularity 2 Samuel 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 wilderness.

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed 2 Samuel 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.

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others 2 Samuel 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 on us and put the city to the sword. ”

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others 2 Samuel 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 people with you. May the LORD show you kindness and faithfulness.”

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others Returns to wilderness

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others Returns to wilderness 2 Samuel 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 wilderness.

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others Returns to wilderness Believes God may have left him

2 Samuel Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favour 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.” David Believes God may have left him

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others Returns to wilderness Humbly, does not try to force God to help him Believes God may have left him

David Believes he is unpopular Humbly, does not try to force God to help him 2 Samuel Then the king said to Zadok, “ Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favour 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.”

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others Returns to wilderness Humbly, does not try to force God to help him Believes God may have left him Forgives his enemies

2 Samuel David then said to Abishai and all his officials, “My son, who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone ; let him curse, for the LORD has told him to. 12 It may be that the LORD will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.” David Forgives his enemies

David Forgives his enemies Concerned for Absalom 2 Samuel 18 5 The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “ Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders.

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others Returns to wilderness Humbly, does not try to force God to help him Has to recognise he cannot do what he once did Believes God may have left him Forgives his enemies

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others Has to recognise he cannot do what he once did 2 Samuel The king told the troops, “I myself will surely march out with you.” 3 But the men said, “ You must not go out ; if we are forced to flee, they won’t care about us. Even if half of us die, they won’t care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better now for you to give us support from the city.”

David Believes he is unpopular Deeply distressed Concerned for safety of others Returns to wilderness Humbly, does not try to force God to help him Has to recognise he cannot do what he once did Believes God may have left him Forgives his enemies Discovers God has not abandoned Him

David Deeply distressed Discovers God has not abandoned Him 2 Samuel Then the Cushite arrived and said, “My lord the king, hear the good news! The LORD has vindicated you today by delivering you from the hand of all who rose up against you.”

Psalm 3 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 3 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. 1 LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 3 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. 1 LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high. David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 3 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. 1 LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high. 4 I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 3 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. 1 LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high. 4 I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 3 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. 1 LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high. 4 I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. 6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 3 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. 1 LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high. 4 I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. 6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. 7 Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 3 A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom. 1 LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” 3 But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high. 4 I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. 6 I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. 7 Arise, LORD! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8 From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 9 For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David. 1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. 3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. 4 For you have upheld my right and my cause, David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 9 For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David. 1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. 3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. 4 For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 9 For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David. 1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. 3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. 4 For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 9 For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David. 1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. 3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. 4 For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, David Discovers God has not abandoned Him

Psalm 9 For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David. 1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. 3 My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you. 4 For you have upheld my right and my cause, sitting enthroned as the righteous judge The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. David Discovers God has not abandoned Him