National rebellion against David ; David Escapes
Jerusalem
So we’ve skipped ahead, and basically Absalom, one
of David’s sons, it plotting against his father to take the throne. So the
morning after reconciling to his father (for killing Amnon), Absalom takes a
chariot and horses as well as50 bodyguards and went to the city gates. When
people came with their problems, Absalom would ask where they were from. He
would then go on to say how unfortunate it was the king didn’t have anyone to
hear their case, because it’s quite a strong one. He then talked about how if he were the judge, he would hear
everyone’s cases so he could give out justice. People would try and bow before
him (he was a prince, after all) but he refused to let them, instead kissing
their hand. Through these actions, he starts to win over the hearts of the
people in Israel. After four years, Absalom asks to go to Hebron, saying it’s
to sacrifice. David agrees, and Absalom goes. However, when he’s there he sends
secret messages to every tribe, telling them to stir rebellion against David,
then say “Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron!” when they hear the ram’s
horn. Absalom takes 200 men with him from Jerusalem, but they don’t know about
his plans. While Absalom offers sacrifice, he sends for more people and his
conspiracy grows.
A messenger brings the news to David that Israel is
following Absalom in a rebellion against him. David urges his men to flee now
with him – he says if they do, their lives will be spared and Jerusalem will
not be destroyed. The men agree, so
everyone leaves at once. David leaves only ten concubines, charging them to
look after the palace. David brought with him his bodyguard, as well as 600 men
from Gath. The king asks the men from
Gath why they are following, explaining that they are only guests and should
not be wandering, so they should return to Absalom. Yet, the leader of the men
vows that they will follow their king, David, no matter what happens. So David
allows them to come. Everyone cried when the king and his followers passed.
David and his men head out toward the wilderness. Zadok and the Levites also
came, bringing the Ark and offering sacrifices until everyone was out of the
city. The king tells Zadok to bring the Ark back into the city, explaining that
he will see it again if God wills it so.
The king also sets up a quick and simple plan involving Zadok so that
the king can hear what it going on in the city.
David walks up the Mount of Olives, crying as he
goes. He had covered his head and had bare feet, all to signify his mourning.
Those who were with him did the same. David is informed that his advisor,
Ahithophel, is with Absalom, and prays Ahithophel gives foolish advice to
Absalom. When David reaches the summit of the mountain, Hushai the Arkite was
waiting there. His clothes were torn and there was dirt on his head to signify
his mourning. David says that if he comes he will only be a burden. He tells
Hushai to go back to Absalom and say he will become his advisor. Then he can
argue with Ahithophel’s advice. He says Zadok and the priests will be there, so
Hushai should tell them of what is going on in the palace and what plans are
being made. Then David will know what’s going on. So Hushai goes back and gets
there just as Absalom is arriving.
Absalom, David’s son, plots to overthrow David. I
think this is what Nathan meant when he confronted David for sleeping with
Bathsheba. Nathan warned David that God had said his own house would turn
against him. We see that happen in this passage. While even visitors whose
names are unknown to David stand by his side, Absalom, David’s own son, rebels.
This was part of David’s punishment for what happened with Bathsheba. Sometimes
things we do may not come back around to us at first, but that means they’ll
likely just come around later. You should be careful and conscious of all the
big choices you make, because they will have a huge effect on your future. Even
things like your purity are important to value and take care of. In this case,
the problems David faced were because he compromised his. Also, David was
affected by the bad choices of Absalom. We are not only affected by our
choices, but also those around us. Sometimes we have no say in whom our company
may be, but when you do, be wary of who you surround yourself with. Even a good
person who is always caught with a bad group will just be assumed to have a bad
reputation and suffer for it.
Well, that's all! God bless! Shalom!
Yes, this was two days late. My internet's being incredibly picky over what it will and will not load. It happens to be working now, though. It should be being fixed soon, though!
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