‏ 2 Samuel 15

Absalom's Ambition.

This section describes how Absalom, after being welcomed back to court, began plotting to take his father David’s throne. Absalom’s pride grew instead of shrinking during his years away from power. Instead of being grateful for his place as the king's son and future successor, Absalom wanted to be king right away. He used both his appearance and a show of kindness to win the people's hearts, but his plan was selfish and dishonest.

v. 1: Absalom acted like a great prince. He got himself chariots, horses, and fifty men to run in front of him . This made him look important and powerful, like the kings of other nations. Samuel had warned that this would be the way of kings: He shall have chariots and horsemen (1 Samuel 8:11 ^a). David allowed this display, not realizing how it would feed Absalom’s pride. Parents should be careful not to encourage pride in their children, as it can lead to their ruin.

v. 2-3: Absalom began to act like a judge. He stood at the city gate, where people came to settle disputes (2 Samuel 15:2 ^b). He asked everyone about their problems and told them their case was good. But then he complained that there was no one from the king to listen to them. He made the people feel like the government did not care about them and that only he could help. This was not true, but Absalom wanted people to think only he could bring justice.

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v. 4: Absalom wished out loud that he could be a judge in Israel . He said, O that I were made judge in the land! He acted as if he cared about justice, but he had not shown real wisdom or love for what is right. Often, people who want power the most are the least fit for it. The best leaders are usually humble, not proud and ambitious.

v. 5-6: Absalom tried hard to win the people’s hearts. He got up early to meet people and acted very friendly and humble. If anyone bowed to him, he would lift them up and hug them instead of letting them bow. He acted like everyone’s friend to make them love him. The Bible warns that sometimes people pretend to be humble just to get what they want (a show of humility, Colossians 2:23 ^c). In truth, Absalom’s heart was full of pride and a desire to deceive. By these actions, he slowly stole the hearts of the people from his father David (Psalm 10:9-10 ^d).

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Absalom's Rebellion.

This section tells how Absalom’s long-planned rebellion finally began. He used clever tricks and pretended to be religious to gain support. Absalom chose his birthplace, Hebron, as the center of his plans. He got people to follow him by lying and using respected people as cover. He even brought in Ahithophel, David’s wise adviser, to help his cause. In the end, many joined Absalom, showing that popularity does not always mean someone is right.

v. 7: The story says Absalom’s rebellion started “after forty years” . This probably means forty years from when Israel first asked for a king. It was about thirty years into David’s reign. Absalom’s plot was finally ready to begin.

v. 8: Absalom asked David for permission to go to Hebron to offer sacrifices, saying he had made a vow when he was in exile . There is no sign he really made such a vow, but he lied to sound religious. David was happy to believe the best about his son and allowed him to go. This shows how easy it is for children to trick loving parents by pretending to be good.

v. 9-11: David let Absalom go to Hebron. Absalom invited 200 important men from Jerusalem to join him, but they did not know about his evil plan (2 Samuel 15:11 ^e). He used their good names to make his rebellion look right. Sometimes, good people are tricked into supporting bad causes without knowing it.

v. 10: Absalom secretly sent messengers throughout Israel, telling them to proclaim him king when they heard the trumpet (2 Samuel 15:10 ^f). This sudden announcement made people think everyone supported Absalom, so many joined him without knowing the truth. Ambitious people often use tricks like this to get power.

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v. 12: Absalom called Ahithophel, David’s wise counselor, to help him in Hebron . Ahithophel had been close to David but now turned against him. This gave Absalom’s rebellion more strength. Sometimes, those who seem to be our friends can become our strongest enemies (My own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me, Psalm 41:9 ^g).

More and more people joined Absalom, and his conspiracy grew strong. The number of followers made the rebellion look successful and powerful, though that did not make it right. The Bible reminds us that being popular does not mean something is just (All the world wondered after the beast, Revelation 13:3 ^h).

David's Flight.

This section describes the beginning of David’s escape from Jerusalem after hearing the news that his son Absalom had started a rebellion. David’s response shows his trust in God, his humility, and his care for others even in great trouble. It also shows the loyalty of his servants and friends, and the deep sadness felt by the people of Israel as their good king was forced to flee.

v. 13: David received news that Absalom had turned the hearts of many people in Israel against him . The message made things sound even worse than they really were, but David believed it because he remembered the ways Absalom had secretly gained support. This reminds us that leaders need to pay attention to the loyalty of their people.

v. 14: David was shocked that his own son was leading a rebellion. Without calling a council, he quickly decided to leave Jerusalem . He may have felt that God was punishing him for his past sins, so he did not want to resist God’s will. He also knew that Jerusalem was too large to defend, and he did not want to bring war and suffering on the city and its people.

v. 15: David’s servants promised to stay loyal to him no matter what happened . They were ready to follow him anywhere, showing true loyalty and love for their king.

v. 16-17: David left Jerusalem on foot, taking his household and children for safety and comfort. He left ten concubines behind to take care of the palace, thinking they would be safe. He also paused at a place outside the city to let everyone gather (2 Samuel 15:16-17 ⁱ). He did not force anyone to follow him; those who wished to stay with Absalom could do so.

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v. 18: David’s personal guards, the Cherethites, Pelethites, and the Gittites, marched with him . The Gittites were from Gath and had chosen to serve David because of his faith and character. Even though they were not Israelites by birth, they were loyal to David in his darkest hour.

v. 19-20: David spoke to Ittai the Gittite, the commander of these foreign soldiers, telling him not to risk his life by coming along (2 Samuel 15:19-20 ^j). David did not want Ittai, a new convert to Israel, to suffer for his sake. He wished him God’s mercy and truth as a blessing if he returned.

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v. 21: Ittai refused to leave David. He promised to stay with him in life or death, showing real friendship and faithfulness . True friends do not leave us in hard times, and we should be just as committed to following Jesus, the Son of David, in every situation (neither life nor death shall separate us from his love, Romans 8:38-39 ^k).

v. 22-23: David and his followers crossed the brook Kidron, heading toward the wilderness. All the people who saw this wept loudly (2 Samuel 15:23 ^l). It was a sad sight to see a good king forced to leave his city, especially because of the actions of his own son. The people were heartbroken, both for David and because they could not help him.

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The Priests and the Ark Accompany David

This section explains how the priests and Levites showed loyalty to David during his escape, and how David responded with faith and submission to God’s will. It also describes the arrangements David made for gathering information, and the sorrow of David and his followers as they left Jerusalem. The story shows David’s trust in God, his care for the people and the ark, and the deep sadness caused by betrayal and sin.

v. 24: The priests and Levites stayed faithful to David. They decided to go with him, bringing the ark of God along so they could pray for him and seek God’s guidance . Absalom’s tricks did not fool them, because they saw he had little real religion. True friends to the ark in good times will find it a help in bad times.

v. 25-26: David told Zadok the priest to take the ark back to Jerusalem instead of carrying it with him (2 Samuel 15:25-26 ^m). David cared more for the safety of the ark and the well-being of God’s house than for his own comfort. He hoped God would let him return to Jerusalem and worship again. But if God did not allow it, David was willing to accept whatever God wanted. He said, Let him do to me as seems good to him. This shows David’s humble submission to God’s will, trusting that whatever God decides is best (Job 23:13 ⁿ).

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v. 27-28: David trusted Zadok as a wise man, calling him a “seer” (2 Samuel 15:27 ^o). He told Zadok and Abiathar to stay in Jerusalem and send news through their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan. David said he would wait in the wilderness for their messages (2 Samuel 15:28 ^p). This was a smart plan to stay informed about Absalom’s actions.

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v. 29: The priests and Levites obeyed David and returned to Jerusalem with the ark. They waited there, ready to help David as much as they could . It was sad to see such a good partnership between king and priests interrupted by rebellion.

v. 30: David left Jerusalem, climbing the Mount of Olives in deep sorrow . He walked barefoot, with his head covered, weeping as he went. David was grieving for his son’s betrayal and for God’s displeasure because of his own sin. The pain was much worse than when Saul chased him, because now his own conscience hurt him (Psalm 51:3 ^q).

All of David’s followers also wept as they walked with him. They shared in his grief and showed their support. The Bible teaches us to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15 ^r). When leaders or people we love are sad because of sin or trouble, we should feel their pain and stand with them.

David's Request to Hushai.

This section explains how David responded when he heard that Ahithophel, his wise former adviser, had joined Absalom’s rebellion. David knew that Ahithophel’s advice was very dangerous, so he prayed for God’s help and also made a careful plan to counter Absalom’s strategy. The story shows us that prayer and wise action go together when facing serious trouble.

v. 31: When David learned that Ahithophel had sided with Absalom, he was very worried . Ahithophel was a clever man, so his advice could make Absalom’s rebellion succeed. David prayed, Lord, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. He trusted that God could change people’s minds and plans, even the wisest ones (Job 12:17 ^s). We can pray that God will stop the plans of those who work against his people.

v. 32: As David reached the top of the Mount of Olives, he stopped to worship God . Even while he was sad and running for his life, he remembered to pray and worship. At that moment, Hushai, a loyal friend, arrived with torn clothes and dust on his head, showing his sadness for David’s troubles. God sent Hushai just at the right time to help David.

v. 33-34: David told Hushai not to come with him, but to return to Jerusalem and pretend to serve Absalom (2 Samuel 15:33-34 ^t). David wanted Hushai to try to stop Absalom from following Ahithophel’s advice, or to warn David about Absalom’s plans. This was a wise strategy, even if it involved pretending. Sometimes, in serious danger, people use clever plans to protect what is right.

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v. 35-36: David told Hushai to work together with Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, and to send news to David through their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan (2 Samuel 15:35-36 ^u). This secret teamwork would help David know what was happening in Jerusalem.

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v. 37: Hushai returned to Jerusalem, just as Absalom arrived with his army (2 Samuel 15:37 ^v). The kingdom was changing hands quickly, but David trusted in God, who rules a kingdom that cannot be shaken or taken away (Hebrews 12:28 ^w).

‏ 2 Samuel 16:1-14

Ziba's Calumny.

This section shows how Ziba, the servant managing Mephibosheth’s estate, took advantage of David’s troubles to try to make himself master of the land. Ziba used a gift to gain David’s favor and then falsely accused Mephibosheth to get his land. This story warns us about the dangers of deceit and flattery, especially during difficult times.

v. 1: Ziba brought David a large supply of food and drink just when David needed it . David thought Ziba was generous and loyal. But Ziba’s real goal was to gain favor so he could take control of Mephibosheth’s estate. Gifts can open doors for people, but they can also be used for selfish purposes (A man’s gift maketh room for him, Proverbs 18:16 ^x).

v. 2: The wine Ziba brought was not for the king or his courtiers to drink freely, but as a medicine for those who were weak and faint . This showed care for the people’s needs. It was better to use wine for strength than for drunkenness, unlike Absalom, who often drank too much (2 Samuel 18:28 ^y).

v. 3: After winning David’s trust with his gift, Ziba told a lie about Mephibosheth . He said Mephibosheth planned to support Absalom to take the throne. David cared about Mephibosheth and his family, but he believed Ziba without checking the facts. This shows how much harm servants’ lies can cause their masters.

v. 4: David quickly punished Mephibosheth by giving his land and property to Ziba . This was a hasty decision that David later regretted when the truth came out (2 Samuel 19:29 ^z). Leaders must be careful not to be fooled by false accusations and should always seek the truth.

After getting what he wanted, Ziba left happily, praising David and saying that having the king’s favor was better than Mephibosheth’s estate (2 Samuel 16:4 ^aa). This shows how flatterers can deceive and exploit those in power. Wise leaders remember that they have two ears to hear both sides of a story before making decisions.

David Cursed by Shimei.

This section shows how David responded to the curses and insults of Shimei. Even when people are unfair or cruel, David teaches us to be patient, to see God’s hand in our troubles, and to hope that God will bring good from suffering. Shimei’s words were bitter, but David’s humble attitude turned the trial into a time of self-reflection and trust in God.

v. 5: As David reached Bahurim, Shimei from Saul’s family came out and cursed him loudly . Shimei had hated David for a long time, blaming him for Saul’s fall. Now that David was in trouble, Shimei saw a chance to insult him without fear.

v. 6: Shimei threw stones at David and his men . Even though David was guarded by his soldiers, Shimei’s anger was so great that he did not care. He also threw dust, but his actions only made him look foolish. People who fight against God or his people cannot really hurt them (If thou sinnest, what doest thou against him?, Job 35:6 ^ab).

v. 7-8: Shimei shouted insults, calling David a “man of blood” and blaming him for all the deaths in Saul’s family (2 Samuel 16:7-8 ^ac). He said David’s troubles were God’s punishment. But David had never hurt Saul or his family on purpose. Innocent people are sometimes blamed and hated for things they did not do (There is no help for him in God, Psalm 3:2 ^ad).

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v. 9: Abishai, one of David’s men, wanted to stop Shimei and punish him for cursing the king . He offered to kill Shimei for his disrespect.

v. 10: David refused to let Abishai hurt Shimei. He said, Let him curse, for the Lord has told him to . David believed that God was allowing this trouble as a lesson or punishment for his own sins.

v. 11: David reminded his servants that if his own son was trying to kill him, it was not surprising that others might curse him too . The more suffering he faced, the more patient he tried to be. He trusted that God was in control of everything.

v. 12: David hoped that God would see his patience and someday repay him with good for the curses he received . He believed that if God allowed this pain, he also had comfort and mercy waiting in the future.

v. 13: David and his men continued on their way, while Shimei kept throwing stones and cursing . Shimei’s anger did not stop David from moving forward. Sometimes, those who hate God’s people only make themselves look worse by their actions.

v. 14: At last, David and his people reached a place to rest and were refreshed . Even after facing words meant to hurt him, David found comfort and shelter. God can give peace to his people, even in the middle of trouble.