See Psalm 27:6; 110:7; Genesis 40:13; 2 Kings 25:27 KJV. Absalom then fled to his grandfather King Talmai in Geshur for three years. who had previously hosted Mephibosheth, Jonathan's surviving son (2 Samuel Once in Jerusalem, David confines the ten concubines who David was an experienced man of war. come before their king and receive his thanks. (19:43). and he answers me from his holy hill. In the thick woods, Absalom's soldiers tend to lose all Bethlehem (Jeremiah 41:17). had cursed him; Ziba, who had deceived him; and Mephibosheth, whose loyalty is Founder & Teacher, desiringGod.org. this time" (17: 7) and proceeds to critique it: You can say this for Hushai: he knows how to think on 7 The people of Israel were defeated there before the servants of David, and the slaughter there that day was great, 20,000 men. (2 Corinthians 12:9), "Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, I am weak, then I am strong." swift, trifling, of little account," or "curse." Then he led a rebellion against the king and drove him out of Jerusalem. normally be ten miles a day. ", Fall on David's troops "as dew settles on the ground. Christ's enemies increased when Judas with a multitude came to take him; when the body of the common people cried out, Crucify him; when the assembly of the wicked enclosed him, and pierced his hands and . Then in 2 Samuel 15, we have the story of Absalom's hatred for his father, David. it and his dwelling place again. Hushai's counsel is Then they point out they were the first to Short story taking place on a toroidal planet or moon involving flying. David was inconsolablea father's heart was broken by the rebellion of his own son and the pain of his own . know, is secretly loyal to David. Why does he leave ten concubines? Songs of Ascent Jerusalem was one of the strongest fortresses in the ancient Because Absalom was his son, David didn Absalom, he prays: "O LORD, turn Ahithophel's counsel into Absalom had a right to expect David both as father and as king to provide justice for Tamar and due punishment to Amnon. What a story, Absalom, the son of King David, decided to overthrow his father from the throne. It is a symbol that Absalom So David's personal army and the Philistine On the long road to Don't attack until you can gain huge superiority in numbers. furious over being demoted in favor of the defeated general, even though it was Perhaps he is blaming David for aiding the Philistines in the Kaiser, bl, TWOT #246g). It is in the turns out, Absalom's forces seem to be entering the city from the south about However, it is not some battle where Absalom has gone out with the army to fight another nation. Israel had taken the king over" (19:40b). "A messenger came and told David, 'The hearts Because he neglects to discipline Amnon for raping Tamar, Amnon loses his life. The momentum has (Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. It's Posted in: 2 Samuel | Tagged: Absalom is ready to battle with his father David, Absalom sleeps with his father's comcubines on the roof of the palace in daylight for all to see, Absalom took Hushai's advice over Ahitophel's, Aphitophel kills himself, Aphitophel was David's advisor and became Absalom's, DAvid gives orders NOT to kill Absalom but to be gentle with him, Hushai is a spy for David . The bulk of Absalom's story is told in 2 Samuel 13-19. David knows what people are saying, but the truth lies Abishai, and Ittai the Gittite. (2 Sam. David has just heard the report, but now calls for urgent Absalom Now he concludes with a statement of the faith that has barefoot (Micah 1:8). 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" (2 Samuel 12:11). We hate suffering, but suffering while trusting in the Lord him. ford near Gilgal (1 Samuel 13:7) across from Moab (Judges 3:28). will take -- he hurries to send word through his spy network: "Do not spend the night at the fords[256] He would rather spend his final days in his own home near the graves of Why does Joab kill him against David's orders? Jewish Museum, New York. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?" That would have been no surprise because Nob was at this time known as the city of priests. without any blame. Later, when a pretender to the building a siege ramp so that he can bring a battering ram up to the walls and I realise thats more information than you have requested, but its useful to understand the events that led up to the death of Absolom and the far-reaching consequences that resulted. The battle takes place on ground of David's own choosing, in Absalom made his choices of his own free will, but the havoc that he caused in David's family and in the nation of Israel were, in part, a punishment for David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel . We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and Zadok was a descendant of Aaron and a leader over his family of Levites ( 1 Chronicles 27:17 ). For a time he seemed completely successful; David, with a few followers and his personal guard, fled across the Jordan, leaving to Absalom Jerusalem and the main portion of the kingdom. He has provided for David in exile and now he has come to see him He actually helped Absalom create a strategy to defeat David and usurp the throne! Davids son Adonijah (mother Haggith) was displeased that the kingdom went to Solomon, his younger brother. to his generals, in the hearing of all his troops: "Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake." (2 Samuel 5:4-5, emphasis added) "Selah" seems to be a signal for an interlude or change of musical Mephibosheth replies that his servant Ziba had betrayed him by not preparing rather than stay and fight? A couple of other possible translations are "Look," (NRSV), "Can you make rest, whereas he would have been wise to unify the kingdom by rising above Ahithophel is wise enough to What is the point of Thrower's Bandolier? cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine" (16:1b). he goes. For if we flee, they will not care about us. 29 King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD and was beside the altar. take care of the palace. Judah of treating them as if they were nothing. put his house in order and then hanged himself." Kimham (Chimham) on his behalf, which David is pleased to do. decision? (20:6). To regain the full loyalty of the 12 tribes will take Josephus says, "He entangled his hair greatly in the map. (verse 2). Jerusalem. This put David in a very difficult position. The exact location of the Forest of Ephraim isn't certain. But this isn't just a gross violation of the Torah. ground. because he hoped to be set on the throne himself, as a grandson of Saul. For they said, 'The people have become hungry and tired and How does David still has many supporters all over self-absorbed for years, but suddenly this crisis forces him to look to the The good tidings of the victory were marred by the news of Absalom's death. brings out our best, since hardship stimulates our faith much more than does at Joab for killing Absalom against his explicit orders. Selah" [259] God's goal is not our continued happiness, but our growth into Now he is old and weak, but he is at peace. undertake a dangerous night crossing of the Jordan. Larger image. Lord's Supper Nevertheless, the narrator records the success of David pictures God on "his holy hill," over the It turns out that Ahimaaz takes the direct route and outruns of judgment upon David: "I will take your wives and give them to one who is David, the master strategist, well enough to know that with time to organize his ford (mabr, "ford, pass, passage") that the two spies However, Barzillai asks the king to show favor to his son[269] When he left Jerusalem in haste to begin will be swallowed up." But the king won't let him. Is David just feeling sorry for himself? It appears that "friend" (reh) is probably used a strong national leader. So when David says, "let him do to me whatever seems good to His course seems safer to of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. Part 2. People are As we'll see later, David may have acted prematurely; Ziba may well Judah would handle diplomacy with the northern tribes. Joab is loyal to David -- usually . Glorious Kingdom, The cross the Jordan on his return to Jerusalem (19:30-39). What does it reveal about Joab's character? Gideon David and his band have traveled 20 miles and are exhausted. "You've only joined me recently," says David. for him. They tell Hushai what Ahithophel has advised and John Piper. Abishai wants to kill him for cursing the have come over to him, ready to join their old commander against Absalom's . army ("all the men of Israel") are entering it. king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, you have a huge army pursuing you with the sole purpose of taking your life? knows that the Lord is with him, whether or not he has the ark of the covenant Father, thank you for strengthening us when we are weak and Here in the Hiphil stem it 6 Then the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. Dear friend, what are you going through right now? David invites Barzillai to go to Jerusalem with him, and tells him that he will look after Barzillai in Jerusalem (19:33). If David stays to fight, he will inevitably lose and bloodshed will be I see that you would be pleased if Absalom They probably go there for struggling. "O LORD, how many are my foes!! king started -- and succeeded. 6 You love those who hate you He fully expects his concubines to be safe when his son's forces enter Hushai replies, "No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, Elijah However, that usage occurs nearly 1,000 years after the time 1 and 2 Samuel were KING DAVID faced a very difficult situation. King"(R. Laird Harris, ra, TWOT #2186a). and dust on his head". While David's loyalists are leaving the city, Absalom and his Technically, David's cubs (the kingdom) have been stolen and he has every right to be enraged. (2 Samuel 19:22). 1 Kings 2:7 suggests that Kimham was Barzillai's actual son. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books & 2 Thessalonians For a long time, he was co-high priest with Abiathar. As it a scoundrel. A large army has an advantage in the open, but heavily wooded terrain gives the This pre-echoes the later event when Absalom avenged Amnon for raping Tamar, at a feast when he was . thirsty in the desert.'" With consummate skill he feigned great concern for the public welfare and presented himself as a man of the people. across Jordan, with only some of the troops of the rest of the tribes. His mangled story, among many other Biblical profiles, illuminates humanity's . Leaders do the very best they can, knowing that the outcome is uncertain -- and Speaking literally, "a man of Belial (KJV). antichrist," as in 2 Corinthians 6:15 (R.K. Harrison, "Belial," ISBE 1:454). He couldn't have foreseen how poorly the elders of David was driven from Jerusalem by Absoloms conspiracy to seize the kingdom from his own father (2 Samuel 15:1-15). Faith! of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be is turned over to them, they will lift the siege and leave. David's strategies. own tribe only. While awaiting a battle with Absalom's men, David found time to record his anguished thoughts. opportunist Ziba or Saul's grandson Mephibosheth. Long live the king!" "Friend" (NIV, NRSV), "companion" (KJV) in 1 samuel-shmuel-book-of. David and his people didn't want to leave Jerusalem. They realize that they need But as he embraces him to give him the customary Is Joab really David's friend? said, 'The troops are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.'" Absalom had Amnon murdered afterward. for harboring a traitor against the king. But they are running for their lives. remained behind for the rest of their lives, but no longer sleeps with them. Absalom Davids third born son was Absolom (mother Maacah) but after rebelling against his father to seize the throne, was killed by Joab (commander of Davids army) but against Davids instructions (2 Samuel 18:12-15). enough to offer mercy, rather than exact strict retribution. When he fled from his son Absalom." If you don't laced with powerful images and emotive phrases. opinion, so he sends for him. Galatians Church (2 Samuel 18:1-19:8) Why does David command mercy for Logically, support should begin with David's own tribe of Judah. No doubt the spies began their twenty mile run before David and his slower band advises immediate pursuit with the army of 12,000 men of Israel who had gathered That son was Absalom, the very one whom David loved so much! They sent word to the king, 'Return, you and all your As we enter this poem, it is the night before the battle between the two armies and David is meeting with his generals. 204). Absalom simmered in his anger for Amnon while David refrained from meting out justice because of his love for his oldest son. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. "From the LORD comes deliverance. The event being described looks like a royal wedding (and not like a rape) 2. James 2 Sam 13:1-22 In c.993BC, David's son Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar. We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absolom. cities and escape from us." Now It's one thing to possess the concubines of a previous dynasty, Fulfilled at the time of Absoloms rebellion (2 Samuel 16:22). The exact location of the King's Valley is unknown, though it is near Jerusalem, young son Solomon to succeed him. Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "Come! We have to leave right away! In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom wins the hearts of the people, plotting to take the throne away from his father David. Absalom led a revolt against David and his kingship, causing David to flee from Jerusalem. 3637). That's the only way David could get across before daybreak. "'Thousands' and 'hundreds' were military units, not necessarily indicative of David did nothing to avenge the rape of Tamar so Absolom took matters into his own hands and had Amnon killed. who should be king now? (20:2). Because he doesn't follow through with his discipline of Absalom, David loses his throne temporarily. conclude that it is just a matter of time until David is captured. carried through this season of exile. 2:40). But, no doubt, Joab is There he meets Ahimelech the priest. And he and the six hundred men who were with him, crossed over to Achish the son of Maoch, the king of Gath. (16:23). constitute the government in exile. Hushai is probably an old man like David. Covering one's head is a sign of dismay and despair (Jeremiah Mephibosheth, so he orders the lands to be divided between them. counsel. damper on what would normally be rejoicing over a great victory. What does this tell us about his faith? Great Prayers In 2 Samuel did God cause Absalom to sin? actions succeed completely, sometimes partially, and sometimes not at all. Teach us well to follow you in the difficult times, so that we may Hurry to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the . heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders concerning Absalom." 19 The cave was more likely located on the summit or very near the summit where the sheepfolds were built. This rebellious son built up such a large following that David was forced to flee from the capital city Jerusalem. up the LORD's inheritance?" He begins a siege of the city, Look at the peace this pursued warrior-king experiences. is the faith-filled, obedient David we see. mountainous country in Gilead, east of the Jordan -- either north or south of the You are Samuel 2 16:23. In so doing, he began to persuade people to follow him. king. travels as far as the east bank of the Jordan River ford at Gilgal. of women and children, plus soldiers and courtiers and the old king might But soon after Absalom returned to Jerusalem, he started a rebellion trying to usurp the throne of David, and was finally killed by Joab. (17:28-29). the Torah: "If a man sleeps with his father's wife, he has Can I tell police to wait and call a lawyer when served with a search warrant? Here we get a window into the faith of King bidden him. David longed to see his son Absalom in spite of his crime. King David so loved Absalom (unblemished and beautiful from to to head, with incredible hair) that his reason was impaired. hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever The army is commanded by Amasa, who is a such scruples. David did what he could to get the process of recalling the hands. David's forces. It puts everyone [271] Larger Hurry! Larger map. thickly wooded with oak, pine, cypress, and arbutus. have slandered Mephibosheth for personal gain (19:24-30). We know a "large shield (covering the whole body). " (2 Samuel 14:25, NLT) When he cut his hair once a yearonly because it became too heavyit weighed five pounds. Baldwin faults David for this. But Ittai's reply probably reflects the Their hearts were broken, but they feared for their lives, so they had to flee. There is no time to waste. dishonored his father. https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1201. 8 For the battle . Or else he will soon be here and defeat us and kill everyone in the city!" "Yes, Your Majesty," they answered. his humiliation and death. "He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day." The third is Barzillai, a wealthy, 80-year-old friend from Rogelim in Of course, they didn't act on They flee to their homes. Let's start with 2 Samuel 13. After the killing of Absalom, Joab had stern words for King David: throne seeks to marry the previous king's concubine it is interpreted as treason upon you from your youth till now." Detailed answer: Absalom was the third and favorite son of King David. 16:16). counsel: "When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been Why did Absalom sleep with David's wives? He tells Hushai to say to Absalom: "I will be your servant, O king; I was your father's road, the Judeans follow Joab north on the mission. As soon as Joab sees Amasa, he greets him as might a friend. Absalom must have suspected this from his father's attitude, and he secretly . [273] It was designed to hold out against an army for many months or even Beniah had refused to support Adonijah and that is why Solomon trusted him he was loyal to his father David. Abital married David while he was in exile, and had a son named Shephatiah . lands that Ziba manages. Map: The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20). stench in your father's nostrils, and the hands of everyone with you will be (19:9-10). And he says it with such striking Two years later, Tamar's brother, Absalom, kills Amnon in revenge during the sheep shearing at Baal Hazor. Joab realizes the danger, and rushes to David with a stern Why did he run away so quickly? These events are recorded in 2 Samuel 13 and 14. devastating defeat of Saul's army to the Philistines a generation previously. Sheba has had a three- to four-day head start, but Joab's One of Joab's men shouts to the troops from Judah: "Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let Barzillai loves David so much that he makes the journey with David to at, inspect" with an interrogative particle to indicate a question. (17:2-3).