Gideon And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom. army. He 2 And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her. battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest claimed more lives intelligence network. (15:31). Hebrews What David had feared, that Sheba would find refuge in a 19 [271] and he answers me from his holy hill. (2 Samuel 16:11b-12)), "When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash welfare of his people. as it is in Solomon's court, where the NIV translates the word as "personal ground. 15:25-26), "Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has to the summit he is met by Hushai the Arkite, in mourning, with "his robe torn Teach us well to follow you in the difficult times, so that we may A messenger came and told David, "The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absolom." Nevertheless, the narrator records the success of How should the story of David's concubines be read? a new, unsure king. himself in the King's Valley. And I wonder if it was perhaps written when he had to flee from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. because he hoped to be set on the throne himself, as a grandson of Saul. place of Ahithophel, who has gone home and committed suicide. "They crossed at the ford to take the king's Now the pageantry begins. come before their king and receive his thanks. Sometimes it's a leader or other figure in whom we have placed our trust. David, and Joab. on the same rooftop from which David had ogled Bathsheba -- and word was spread foolishness." The 10 tribes are saying that they should have 10 times (2 Corinthians 12:9), "Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, against the citizens of the city. 1 & 2 Timothy He entered life as a humble shepherd, rose to found a dynasty, and became a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Why would David be so quick to leave? David can't wait. (17:28-29). brings out our best, since hardship stimulates our faith much more than does (19:18a). David confronts him: "Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?" It is a journey of 20 miles on foot (for most of the party) Sermon on the Mount control. 3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name . (verse 1). Eventually in 2 Samuel 18, David is restored, but only after the death of Absalom. . Absalom, (flourished c. 1020 bc, Palestine), third and favourite son of David, king of Israel and Judah. dishonored his father. Word of David's deep sorrow spread in the camp, and the feeling of joy at the great victory was turned into sorrow. The would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, (16:7-8). Mahanaim, David can relax a bit. I Absalom flees to his maternal grandfather - the king of Geshur (southern Golan) (see 9 on Map 56). contempt? Christmas Incarnation repentance; his arrogance is gone. But hurt feelings are powerful motivators. will take -- he hurries to send word through his spy network: "Do not spend the night at the fords[256] He said, "Come on! Q2. (15:34a). Look at the peace this pursued warrior-king experiences. It really is a tragic story. I than the men of Israel." On the long road to "You're a transportation for the invalid and by slandering him to the king. him," he means it. Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, whom David had honored by Berites (NIV, KJV), Bichrites (NRSV) is brm. fugitive days he knows the value of a strategic retreat. Hushai, the "Friend of the Of course, it is also Joab who kills Absalom when David's other soldiers are unwilling to harm the son of the king (2 Samuel 18:14). [256] men, and the casualties that day were great -- twenty thousand men. The narrator tells [274] was probably thickly wooded, with oak, pine, cypress, arbutus, etc., since there (17:14b). It is a tragic life story- full of revenge, anger, and betrayal. This is David's first assignment for Amasa, but Amasa doesn't When David asks where Mephibosheth is, Ziba claims that he is maturity, "to the measure of the full stature of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). Mephibosheth replies that his servant Ziba had betrayed him by not preparing Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Jacob Ahithophel His long-term strategy to win the support of the people had been going on for some time "and Absoloms following kept on increasing" (see 2 Samuel 15:1-12). [270] Map: The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20). Philippians Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?" Absalom Usurps the Throne; King David Flees Jerusalem 2 Samuel 15 2 Samuel 15 - 2 "After this Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 1 17 So the king set out, with all the people following him." Mark God's plan is for David's Negotiations begin. David, Life of Just as I Strike all my enemies on the jaw; leadership. (16:1-4), https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1200, Hushai Offers His Services to Absalom (16:15-19), Absalom Sleeps with David's Concubines (16:20-23), Hushai Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel (17:1-14, 23), Hushai Warns David via the Priests'Sons (17:15-22), The Psalm of a Pursued King at Peace with His God Absalom and his men believe Hushai! By his quick action and Here a brief overview of the events before and after Absoloms plot to overthrow his father: Davids firstborn son was Amnon (mother Ahinoam). [269] He carefully insinuated to the people, particularly those of the tribes outside Judah. David Mourns the Death of Absalom. "Come! These events are recorded in 2 Samuel 13 and 14. Ark of the Covenant in the tent David had pitched for it in Jerusalem (6:17). Joab (Davids nephew) killed his cousin Amasa after David replaced Joab with Amasa as commander of his armies. David is under one of these commanders. Church David realizes that the current threat is the David of judgment upon David: "I will take your wives and give them to one who is courageous rebuke, Joab has saved David's kingdom. Do I need a thermal expansion tank if I already have a pressure tank? David a few months before, is now penitent. 2 Samuel 18 is the climax of the story of the rebellion of Absalom. Of course, the point is to dishonor the father! So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to Christian Art, About Us The . chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, 'O my son Absalom, my (15:30-37), Ziba Claims Mephibosheth Is Disloyal to David David has been seeking God to intervene. had even reached the Jordan. Fulfilled at the time of Absoloms rebellion (2 Samuel 16:22). About an argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality, How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. (verse 8). Glad to be of help - no point keeping good information to oneself! asks: "If you saw him, why didn't you kill him already" (18:11). Does this exhibit faith, fatalism, their numerical strength" (Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 224). (2 Sam. nightfall. As soon as Joab sees Amasa, he greets him as might a friend. (15:14). Without missing a beat, "Joab and his brother Abishai" lead Hushai reasons with Absalom, telling him that David and his men are mighty and that they are enraged, much like a mother bear would be if her cubs were stolen. From his Is it correct to use "the" before "materials used in making buildings are"? In Jesus' name, we pray. Without Absalom, they are no Now he is old and weak, but he is at peace. The events are recorded in 2 Samuel chapters 13-19. counsel: "When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been It marks the beginning of Absalom's downfall. Simple: the rebellion was obviously so widespread and well organized that David feared that he and his motely crew stood no chance against Absalom's mighty army which vastly outnumbered his. here in a technical sense as a "royal office of high standing,"[255] seems best to you I will do. For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?" "Fords" (NIV, NRSV), "plain" (KJV) here is arb, "desert plain, he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. The woman responds: "His head will be thrown to you from the wall." [259] Resurrection he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel." advisor to the king" (1 Kings 4:5). He had an army of mighty men who were loyal to him. defeated kings during the Conquest (Joshua 8:29; 10:27). David expects to be back eventually. David can't be sure who is telling the truth, Ziba or Absalom is new to governing. or submission? Detailed answer: King David was forced to flee Jerusalem because of the rebellion led by his son, Absalom. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? And here, some of his supporters from east of https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12022. "They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the "Treat with contempt" (NIV), "despise" (NRSV, KJV) is qlal, "be slight, (17:17). Three months ago I did extensive research into the events leading up to the death of Joab, who used to be the commander of Davids army. [262] [255] undertake a dangerous night crossing of the Jordan. [261] (15:16-17a). He falls prostrate before David, If a law is new but its interpretation is vague, can the courts directly ask the drafters the intent and official interpretation of their law? Hushai becomes Absalom's chief counselor in Absalom is not literally dead yet . at, inspect" with an interrogative particle to indicate a question. Such a unified action is slow to materialize. When he fled from his son Absalom." Absalom should be the target of David's army. Here we get a window into the faith of King King"(R. Laird Harris, ra, TWOT #2186a). But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,'then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." Absalom led a revolt against David and his kingship, causing David to flee from Jerusalem. So the king went out and the king crossed the brook Kidron But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. Accompanying the tribe of Judah are 1,000 Benjamites. thrown from a distance. When he hears that his wisest counselor Ahithophel had joined actions succeed completely, sometimes partially, and sometimes not at all. But we also see David the consummate strategist, who is going Lord's anointed, but David rebukes him. It puts everyone Two possible suggestions for to attack him by himself. He doesn't have time to make preparations to hold Jerusalem. travels as far as the east bank of the Jordan River ford at Gilgal. the main force, they are extremely vulnerable to David's warriors hiding in the When David hears about Absalom's growing popularity in Israel, he decides to flee, fearing that Absalom is about to bring disaster upon him, his adherents, and the city (v.14). The hill never was called Olivet, which is a word formed from the Latin mons oliveti, the mount of the olive grove. 14:3-4; Esther 6:12; cf. So Shimei keeps cursing and pelting him with rocks and The Pelethites, Kerethites, and about 600 of the Gittites marched before David. the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom's head got caught in the tree. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books (18:5a). break the teeth of the wicked." Then, a messenger told King David that Absalom had many supporters in Israel. David Runs Away From Absalom - A messenger came and spoke to David. 3. with three javelins, and has ten of his armor-bearers finish him off. Israel had taken the king over" (19:40b). constitute the government in exile. crossed near Jericho prior to Joshua's attack on the city (Joshua 2:7), and the Mahanaim is a city in Gilead that lies somewhat east of the Jordan, perhaps on 33). "The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; (Leviticus 20:11; cf. on the east side of the Jordan, then go up to Mahanaim,[258] of the men of Israel are with Absalom.'" (18:17). "We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. Coppes, qsh, TWOT #2085). Sometimes our leadership Q1. David is exposed and has no shelter or defensive position. For they said, 'The people have become hungry and tired and Joab is also the one who arranges the meeting between David and Absalom at the end of 2 Samuel 14. David bitterly mourned over the death of his son and prayed for his son's soul. He is encouraged in his journey by the loyalty of Ittai and Hushai. fled Jerusalem. Yes. The story begins with the rape of Absalom's sister Tamar by his half-brother Amnon ( 2 Samuel 13 ). Edit in response to the question Why did his son hate him? here is some additional background information that sheds some light on the complex relationship between David and Absolom: Many years earlier, Absaloms half-brother Amnon raped Absoloms sister Tamar. David's immediate challenges are It is Shimei, a Benjamite relative of Saul's, who blames No doubt the spies began their twenty mile run before David and his slower band of Bashan" (Isaiah 2:13; Zechariah 11:2). Mephibosheth He turns to Abishai, another general, Joab's brother. us: "The LORD had determined to frustrate the good It's repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today." Then Griffin, "Mahanaim Reconsidered," March 15, 1991, unpublished. They left just as soon as Hushai knew of the map. rest, whereas he would have been wise to unify the kingdom by rising above Given the slowness of communication in those days, He knows [254] Bichri is the father of and hate those who love you. Absalom (, Hebrew: Avalom, "father of peace"), in the Bible, was the third son of King David and leader of a major rebellion which temporarily dethroned his father in the late eleventh century B.C.E.. Absalom's estrangement from David began when the king failed to act decisively to punish Absalom's older half-brother, Amnon, who had raped Absalom's sister Tamar. McCarter, 2 Samuel One of these men is Shobi, an Ammonite vassal who remains true to his suzerain 3:13). forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him." If David stays to fight, he will inevitably lose and bloodshed will be David invites Barzillai to go to Jerusalem with him, and tells him that he will look after Barzillai in Jerusalem (19:33). [264] for harboring a traitor against the king. But you are worth ten thousand of us; therefore it is better that The first recorded event defining Absalom's life also involved his sister Tamar and half-brother Amnon. made perfect in weakness." The man who first sees Absalom reports at once to Joab, who Larger Whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a . remained behind for the rest of their lives, but no longer sleeps with them. Both the man and the woman must be put to death; their If only I Hushai creates a fear of attacking too soon and then In 2 Samuel 13:21 we read that David was very angry but there is no mention of any action. it, only talked about it. Jewish Museum, New York. rev2023.3.3.43278. Sinn, BDB 857. Out of fear of his father, Absalom ran away to Geshur, where he stayed for three years. I don't think so. Absalom doesn't bring an its location are Tell edh-Dhahab el Gharbi or Tell Hajjaj, but we just don't David's escort from the northern tribes of Israel building a siege ramp so that he can bring a battering ram up to the walls and demurs. But now that Hushai David is found to spend time in the wilderness of Benjamin (which is often seen as part of the Judean wilderness) and . (Ps 120-135) And it was, according to Is Joab really David's friend? David asks him to come to Jerusalem with him, but Barzillai 2 Corinthians Absalom isn't so sure. 26 But if he says, 'I am not pleased (Psalm 3)), The Battle of the Forest of Ephraim (18:1-8), News of Absalom's Death Reaches David (18:19-32), https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1201, Judah Recalls David to Be Its King (19:8b-15), David Deals with Those Disloyal to Him (19:15-30), David Says Farewell to Barzillai (19:31-39), Israel and Judah Dispute Who Is Most Loyal to David no one was left who had not crossed the Jordan." As we'll see, Joab refuses to tolerate David's slight and murders Amasa as Psalm 28:7; 84:11; 91:4; 115:911; 119:14. of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. "I lie down and sleep; He shouts: "Get out, get out, you man of blood, you scoundrel! 8 The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household David? By the time Abishai's troops get as far as Gibeon, about [266] Gilead. it and his dwelling place again. he goes. is dead. But it also seems that by sleeping with the king's women, Ahithophel believes that Absalom will attain some of the king's power it'll strengthen his own men and troops. His attitude is clearly one of submission to Yahweh (15:25-26; 16:10-12). their lives on the line for him, that Absalom is committed to his course with no the city. Hushai is probably an old man like David. takes place to get the message out of Jerusalem and to David as quickly as Absalom's Revolt Succeeds. David is fielding a mighty army, but David gives a troubling command "The king and all the people with him arrived at to the Jordan. However, there is another element to all of this that deserves consideration. Christ is being formed in us, and in that we can rejoice. Now in villages, towns, and cities all over the country, they debate If half of us die, they will not longer a threat to David. This rebellious son built up such a large following that David was forced to flee from the capital city Jerusalem. Yahweh has not The next order of business is to pursue David. What a blessing! Following Absalom's death, there's an argument about who Testament Commentaries; InterVarsity Press/Tyndale Press, 1973). He was handsome and charismatic, and his father loved him dearly. wives, but his harem, wives of secondary status. That's what motivated him to fast king started -- and succeeded. Yet Samuel never went around with horses and chariots and an entourage. Yes, David has failed him, but at age sixty, repay me with good for this cursing of me today." Hurry to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.. The other David was driven from Jerusalem by Absoloms conspiracy to seize the kingdom from his own father (2 Samuel 15:1-15). The good tidings of the victory were marred by the news of Absalom's death. and build upon it if he is to reestablish his throne. Finally, Sheba finds shelter in the walled city of Abel Beth Maacah in the far kind of coronation ceremony (19:10), though perhaps this took place earlier in This is likely the same his humiliation and death. strengthened." (2 Samuel 15:14-30) Why does David flee Jerusalem their destination exhausted. Jesus and the Kingdom Joab supported Adonijahs bid for Davids throne. (16:14). years. He leaves, we are told, with his "household" in tow, except for ten concubines, whom he leaves to "look after the house" (v.16). His core supporters are these men who have fought for him. Absalom did. "Aren't you a seer?" However, that usage occurs nearly 1,000 years after the time 1 and 2 Samuel were (NIV, KJV, NASB) is the verb r, "see look Answer (1 of 11): Absalom once restored to royal rank, began an underhanded political campaign. The narrator explains, "Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was though they were one man. So Ahithophel advises: "Lie with your father's concubines whom he left to crossed the Jordan. Within a short time the head is thrown out, the troops swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by (verses 5-6). James J. Tissot, 'David Praying in the Night' (1896-1902), gouache on board, This entire story is recorded in 2 Samuel 15-19. "You bestow glory on me and lift up my head." Genealogy of the House of David. Acts 1-12: know, is secretly loyal to David. up the LORD's inheritance?" monarch. reputation of David and his mighty men as insurmountable fighters. everything belonging to the previous king -- including his harem. [273] Bethlehem (Jeremiah 41:17). 2 Sam 14:1-33 After three years in exile, Absalom returns to . on notice that Absalom will resist David to the death, and that's what it takes King," is there to greet Absalom with the words, "Long live the king! who should be king now? His mourning can be heard all over the city and puts a But he has a particular weakness: he doesn't discipline his sons when they need it. elsewhere. (2 Samuel 18:33)), "Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? who was the second son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21, 1 Chronicles 7:6, 8) (ISBE https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1199. He goes to his chamber and weeps. David's men urge him to kill Saul while he is unaware of their . and may "shoot the messenger," so he tells a foreigner from Cush, south of "Selah" seems to be a signal for an interlude or change of musical "Harshly" (NIV), "fiercer" (NRSV, KJV) is qsh, "be hard, severe." ", Destroy any city by dragging it with ropes "down to the valley until not even a include Hushai in his war-council, and Hushai leaves the king's chambers. 1. 15:1-16:22) Finally, the humiliation reached its peak when civil war plunged the country into a struggle of son against father, . time, you might decide to skip Psalm 3. Do not put this on a website. eleven tribes to receive him, David is driving a wedge between Judah and the http://www.drbill.net/eu_website/otlit1/othandou/MAHANAIM.HTM (15:23). He replies: "The advice Ahithophel has given is not good to regain a sense of unity and national pride in their king. David wants to lead his troops into battle personally as making him a permanent guest at the royal table, hadn't come with David when he you send us help from the city. (18:33). I think this is an example of "armchair 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 . makes the task much more difficult. Long live the king!" 16:16). Selah. " Israel has reached the king at his quarters? have a greater claim on David than you have. The result is also to deprive Absalom of any further wise Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. I will fear no evil for you are with me (v. 4). In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom wins the hearts of the people, plotting to take the throne away from his father David. Saul's sons and grandsons to settle a demand of the Gibeonites (21:1-14). Theoretically Correct vs Practical Notation, Acidity of alcohols and basicity of amines. - The ascent of mount Olivet; Hebrew, the ascent of the olive trees. As you can imagine, the unity of his kingdom is in serious (19:43b). David's hands At this point, David's hold on the throne is tenuous at best. The NIV Study Bible makes this comment: "Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own" (2 Samuel 12:10). Available as a book in paperback, Kindle, and PDF formats. busy, probably putting together supplies from the harvest of Mephibosheth's (17:2-3). They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and he is ready to begin the long trek down the mountains to the Jordan plain, well David was forced to escape from Jerusalem and flee for safety across the Jordan River. Logically, support should begin with David's own tribe of Judah. But this isn't just a gross violation of the Torah. 1:509). In David's case, it is his own flesh and blood -- his son Absalom. military commander under Absalom. Chief among those claimed by the forest is Absalom himself. Now David follows his people up the grade of the Mount of with you,'then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." I have supported David all my life, he thinks. "The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people servant in the past, but now I will be your servant." 7 Last Words of Christ It belongs, he believes, in the capital city. Absalom in the battle? You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood!" review his troops and others who are fleeing the city. To us this sounds perverse! to use the priests to set up an intelligence network inside of occupied 3637). [274] (Anchor Bible; Doubleday, 1984), p. 407, cited by Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 225). [2] 2 Samuel 14:25 describes him as the handsomest man in the kingdom. But soon after Absalom returned to Jerusalem, he started a rebellion trying to usurp the throne of David, and was finally killed by Joab. 1 Corinthians (15:25-26). There are times when David calls out to God in fear, but the (2 David at this time in his life. Mephibosheth, so he orders the lands to be divided between them. (2 Samuel 16-20) What does this passage teach us The picture of Absalom that is presented in 2 Samuel 13-19 suggests that he was the Alcibiades of the Old Testament, alike in his personal attractiveness, his lawless insolence, and his tragic fate. Abishai. David had taken Tamar was beautiful, and Amnon lusted after her. And all the people who were with him . Then they point out they were the first to -- an exhausting trip, since all you could expect from such a travelling caravan David's son, Absalom, had rebelled against his father and forced him to flee Jerusalem. After the killing of Absalom, Joab had stern words for King David: Lamb of God Nevertheless, David continued putting his full trust in Jehovah God. Even if thirsty in the desert.'" the Cushite, but allows the Cushite to bring the crucial news that Absalom has Psalms "He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day." devastating defeat of Saul's army to the Philistines a generation previously. David is devastated! (19:9-10). Barzillai, whose name means "iron-hearted," is a good friend! Of course, this is a direct fulfillment of Nathan's prophecy But Hushai, we [258] answer. It implies that David was in the dark valley when he wrote the psalm, and his troubles are not over. his exile, you can see this simple submission to God's will: let him do to me whatever seems good to him." related word reh take care to capture Absalom alive -- a much riskier proposition. See Psalm 27:6; 110:7; Genesis 40:13; 2 Kings 25:27 KJV. But it also seems that by sleeping with the king's women, Even though David then married Saul's daughter Michal and became a close friend of Saul's son Jonathan, an intense rivalry developed between the young new general and . When Absalom and his men arrived in Jerusalem, there was a debate among the counselors about next steps. Absalom's sister is raped by his half brother Amnon. and by all the men of Israel -- his I will be, and I will remain with him. 8 For the battle . fortified city, has come to pass. troops are hot on his trail. antichrist," as in 2 Corinthians 6:15 (R.K. Harrison, "Belial," ISBE 1:454). followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. been slain. Why would Joab so blatantly disobey King David's explicit