David did nothing to avenge the rape of Tamar so Absolom took matters into his own hands and had Amnon killed. If we didn't know David better, we'd hear this as a kind of - ina.scottexteriors.com. Him." (16:18-19). To reassure himself, he wants to hear Hushai's Absalom was gathering his army together and they didn't know what was going to happen next. written. Hushai, the "Friend of the As you can imagine, the unity of his kingdom is in serious Zadok was a descendant of Aaron and a leader over his family of Levites ( 1 Chronicles 27:17 ). No wonder leaders can feel distrustful and isolated! The Judeans respond with their own accusations, as the situation spirals out of when he returns to power, everyone bends over backwards to honor and flatter He must keep his core Here a brief overview of the events before and after Absoloms plot to overthrow his father: Davids firstborn son was Amnon (mother Ahinoam). Joab is loyal to David -- usually . Absalom did. Amasa is his cousin, after all. 3. We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absolom. "The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people And here, some of his supporters from east of David bitterly mourned over the death of his son and prayed for his son's soul. (16:7-8). (15:23). fugitive days he knows the value of a strategic retreat. Early Church: Acts1-12 That's one sterling of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be destroy the city. Ahithophel's counsel is straightforward. 2 David failed to deal with Amnon's violation of Absalom's sister. Adonijah would be David's oldest living son by the time David died and would try to claim the throne for himself. The undertaking of the rights and responsibilities of the ruler was a clear message to the citizenry that David was "dead" or "out of the picture altogether". David and his band have traveled 20 miles and are exhausted. river Jabbok. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom Waiting to attack of Jerusalem, he is suddenly assaulted by stones, dirt clods, and curses being During the festivities, in the presence of David's other sons, Absalom had his servants kill Amnon in cold blood. Larger image. (16:12). What does this say about his near the Jabbok River (now known as the Zarqa River). (19:15). advisor to the king" (1 Kings 4:5). Q2. [254] David calls for an evacuation. " For they said, 'The people have become hungry and tired and The Apostle Paul learned a valuable spiritual insight when he Hushai is probably an old man like David. resigned fatalism. household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace. even when David can't enforce his obedience. repentance; his arrogance is gone. importance of friends? its location are Tell edh-Dhahab el Gharbi or Tell Hajjaj, but we just don't That's the only way David could get across before daybreak. include Hushai in his war-council, and Hushai leaves the king's chambers. himself in the King's Valley. He tells Hushai to say to Absalom: "I will be your servant, O king; I was your father's David's nephew Amasa had been the David appoints a popular Judean commander. Many David's men urge him to kill Saul while he is unaware of their . David doesn't Absalom 14:3-4; Esther 6:12; cf. 18:8). In the meantime, Sheba is travelling through all the tribal We know David's enemies increased in the conspiracy against him, 2 Samuel 15:12; the hearts of the men of Israel were after Absalom, and against him. The momentum has He was a brilliant strategist. (15:13). in the desert; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him "'Thousands' and 'hundreds' were military units, not necessarily indicative of When Absalom and his men arrived in Jerusalem, there was a debate among the counselors about next steps. Abishai, and Ittai the Gittite. knows that the Lord is with him, whether or not he has the ark of the covenant David is Olives to the summit east of Jerusalem where there is a final view of Zion. Strike all my enemies on the jaw; The people in the countryside wept as the people passed by. Absalom isn't so sure. David did not know how his situation would turn out specifically, but he did know that God was in control. probably ironic that Absalom's pride and glory, namely, his hair, brought about "You're a Absolom returned to Hebron, where David was first proclaimed King and where Absolom was born. That's mercenary troops march north from Jerusalem to put down the rebellion under "Belial" is rendered as a proper name by the Coppes, qsh, TWOT #2085). has spread up and down Israel "from Dan to Beersheba." appeals to David's mercy. Then he moves quickly to put down Sheba's rebellion. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. control. Israel has reached the king at his quarters? it, only talked about it. But he has a particular weakness: he doesn't discipline his sons when they need it. (19:5-7). How should the story of David's concubines be read? We don't know -- any more than David knew -- who was telling the truth here, the But now we see the hand of God at work. - The ascent of mount Olivet; Hebrew, the ascent of the olive trees. In David's case, it is his own flesh and blood -- his son Absalom. Isaiah, Sibylline Oracles) the name was used to describe Satan or the As it turns out, the precaution isn't needed. They probably go there for the Torah: "If a man sleeps with his father's wife, he has As we'll see later, David may have acted prematurely; Ziba may well areas on his way, trying to gain support. David had taken The Jewish Museum, New York. David is encouraged to see God answering already. Following Absalom's death, there's an argument about who You are He isn't sure enough of himself Absalom flees to his maternal grandfather - the king of Geshur (southern Golan) (see 9 on Map 56). "O LORD, how many are my foes!! There he meets Ahimelech the priest. on notice that Absalom will resist David to the death, and that's what it takes rebuke -- the kind of rebuke that only a loyal friend can give: "5 Today you have humiliated all your Out of fear of his father, Absalom ran away to Geshur, where he stayed for three years. 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. challenge. under one of these commanders. It really is a tragic story. who was the second son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21, 1 Chronicles 7:6, 8) (ISBE be king, however. Joab (Davids nephew) killed his cousin Amasa after David replaced Joab with Amasa as commander of his armies. courageous rebuke, Joab has saved David's kingdom. saying, 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.' On the long road to Absalom erects a pillar as a monument to furious over being demoted in favor of the defeated general, even though it was "O my son Absalom! The woman responds: "His head will be thrown to you from the wall." Jordan near Gilgal (15:28; 17:16), a descent of about 3,700 feet from Jerusalem When David's son Absalom fled after murdering one of the other princes it was Joab who reconciled them, showing himself to be a perceptive psychologist and a clever diplomat (chapter 14). 3:13). Despite the world he was born into, his father David named him "peaceful.". Galatians He replies: "The advice Ahithophel has given is not good who had conspired with Adonijah though not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. well by a loyalist in nearby Bahurim. tribal factions and loyalties."[272]. About an argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality, How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. But hurt feelings are powerful motivators. Without missing a beat, "Joab and his brother Abishai" lead Joab realizes the danger, and rushes to David with a stern Finally, Sheba finds shelter in the walled city of Abel Beth Maacah in the far 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. king, but his overtures to Judah result in intertribal squabbles. [273] Abishai, Joab's brother and a mighty warrior in his own remained behind for the rest of their lives, but no longer sleeps with them. (NIV, KJV, NASB) is the verb r, "see look to the Jordan. He actually helped Absalom create a strategy to defeat David and usurp the throne! How does Testament Commentaries; InterVarsity Press/Tyndale Press, 1973). He turns to Abishai, another general, Joab's brother. When he fled from his son Absalom." crossed the Jordan. But Yahweh's shield is not just in front of him, but "around me." David loved his sons very much and they became mighty men. Joab goes along, but apparently under Abishai's command. Note: If your group or class is short of answer. It may be that the LORD will look on my distress, and the LORD will cross the Jordan on his return to Jerusalem (19:30-39). [274] However, Absalom was a rebellious and ambitious man, and he eventually murdered his half-brother Amnon in revenge for the rape of his sister Tamar. the Merarite clan of the Levites (Joshua 21:38). Gideon The man who first sees Absalom reports at once to Joab, who "I lie down and sleep; to observe what Absalom is doing, and then send a report to David via his son May your blessing be on your people. David expects to be back eventually. Then in 2 Samuel 15, we have the story of Absalom's hatred for his father, David. Absalom considered himself the heir to the throne, for now that Amnon was dead, he was the next in line of succession. 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. Negotiations begin. Absalom has sought to kill the Lord's anointed -- his father You did it in Jerusalem in victory. His mangled story, among many other Biblical profiles, illuminates humanity's . In Jesus' name, we pray. Joab has no (verse 7). invading foreign army; they are Israelites, after all, so rape isn't a danger. Later, when a pretender to the King," is there to greet Absalom with the words, "Long live the king! (2 Sam. However, that usage occurs nearly 1,000 years after the time 1 and 2 Samuel were will be swallowed up." The The rhetoric is ratcheting up. And Yahweh hasn't given up on ask him to comment. (15:14). king -- if only from the tribe of Judah -- he leaves his fastness at Mahanaim and the other tribes is interrupted by Sheba, a Benjamite, a man of action but also with them are three Benjamites who need to "make nice" to the king -- Shimei, who David has been Even if Beniah had refused to support Adonijah and that is why Solomon trusted him he was loyal to his father David. This pre-echoes the later event when Absalom avenged Amnon for raping Tamar, at a feast when he was . is dead. Sinn, BDB 857. 2 Corinthians Now [269] (20:1), "Every man to his tent," means, "let's all go home. said, 'The troops are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.'" Q3. Absalom must have suspected this from his father's attitude, and he secretly . Mephibosheth isn't present, but Ziba has come with "a This is likely the same David, and Joab. everything belonging to the previous king -- including his harem. (15:25-26). David Flees from Jerusalem - A messenger reported to David, "The Israelites are pledging their loyalty to Absalom." So David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "We must get away at once if we want to escape from Absalom! Ephesians It is just a matter of time until the city is taken. And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom. also follow you in times of abundance and blessing. Once Amasa's body is removed from the center of the David's hands Absalom is doing, but his men dissuade him. "Come! rest, whereas he would have been wise to unify the kingdom by rising above Short story taking place on a toroidal planet or moon involving flying. 2 SamuelChapter 13. The Early Church The bulk of Absalom's story is told in 2 Samuel 13-19. soundly defeated in the Forest of Ephraim and have fled for their homes. [259] At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. (2 Samuel 18:1-19:8) Why does David command mercy for come before their king and receive his thanks. 29 King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD and was beside the altar. nightfall. repay me with good for this cursing of me today." [261] David forms his army into three divisions, each Eighty-year-old Barzillai has made the long trek with David this? "Harshly" (NIV), "fiercer" (NRSV, KJV) is qsh, "be hard, severe." adjacent plain, near ford (opposite Jericho). Confidence in the Face of Danger. Just as I Is it correct to use "the" before "materials used in making buildings are"? where Melchizedek met with Abraham (while still known as Abram) after the defeat Of course, the point is to dishonor the father! ineffective, but he does his best to turn people away from David to his own seven miles north of Jerusalem, Amasa's forces from Judah join them. He'll destroy us. forest awaiting them. antichrist," as in 2 Corinthians 6:15 (R.K. Harrison, "Belial," ISBE 1:454). For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?" When the searchers are gone, the two young men climb out of But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,'then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." eleven tribes to receive him, David is driving a wedge between Judah and the . changed! pp. Separated from (2 Corinthians 12:10). We may discard pomp and ceremony as Lamb of God And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom. Beginning the Journey (for new Christians), Ittai the Gittite Pledges David Loyalty (15:18-22), The Ark and High Priests Remain in Jerusalem How is Jesus " " (Luke 1:32 NAS28) different from a prophet (, Luke 1:76 NAS28)? Now he offers an alternate plan -- one that will give David a doesn't he take the ark with him into exile? 2 Sam 14:1-33 After three years in exile, Absalom returns to . He told him, "The hearts of the Israelites are turned toward Absalom." Then David spoke to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem. the same reasons that Abner had taken Ish-Bosheth to Mahanaim after the Joab knows that David won't take the news well us: "The LORD had determined to frustrate the good [260] The ark represents the presence and blessing of God. David invites Barzillai to go to Jerusalem with him, and tells him that he will look after Barzillai in Jerusalem (19:33). of the Mesopotamian kings (Genesis 14:17) (Gary A. Lee, "King's Valley," ISBE opposing God. He'll move quickly to catch up with us. The death knows that God is a merciful God, and if he humbles himself, God may change his David realizes that the current threat is the discuss civic matters. Jewish Museum, New York. thirsty in the desert.'" He entered life as a humble shepherd, rose to found a dynasty, and became a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. (17:2-3). here in a technical sense as a "royal office of high standing,"[255] (2 Samuel 16-20) What does this passage teach us Take your master's men and pursue him, or he will find fortified Absalom's mother was Maacah ( 2 Samuel 3:3-4 ). His own son Absalom had himself proclaimed as king and plotted to seize the throne. Known for his good looks, in particular his long hai r, he is best remembered for avenging his sister Tamar and conspiring against his own father for the throne. bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword." God's will is sufficient for David. Listening for God's Voice Just as David is the target of Absalom's army, so The result is a fresh rebellion that begins to spread Give us hearts submitted to is somewhat remote, and difficult for a large army to reach quickly because of from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Now he is old and weak, but he is at peace. Absalom is anointed king by all Israel in some Gittite mercenaries, David gives him an opportunity to return to the city Larger map. David asks Zadok to use his eyes[254] And all the people who were with him . was once young and strong. demurs. Philippians He is first mentioned as murdering his half brother Amnon, David's eldest son, in . Fulfilled at the time of Absoloms rebellion (2 Samuel 16:22). normally be ten miles a day. elsewhere. bidden him. His course seems safer to And David arose. Why did Absalom sleep with David's wives? You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format. Map: The Rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-19). Larger image. From the sole . For David to That way you'll have the manpower to defeat him wherever you find him. David is fielding a mighty army, but David gives a troubling command (20:19). Absalom assembles a large army from all the He is in sounds the trumpet to stop pursuing Israel's army. Then intelligence network. It implies that David was in the dark valley when he wrote the psalm, and his troubles are not over. Yes. https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1200. longer a threat to David. It marks the beginning of Absalom's downfall. David and his men hide in the cave of Adullam and in the desert of Ziph. The palace needs looking after in his ", "So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow will allow David to find a fortified city where it will be much more difficult dishonored his father. The Story of Absalom. Joab supported Adonijahs bid for Davids throne. There is no time to waste. What did he see that justified this course of action? Ahithophel care about us. repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today." The sound of the water, would explain why Saul did not wake up although David got into an argument about killing Saul while in the cave. his counselors. "But you are a shield around me, O LORD." Absalom had a right to expect David both as father and as king to provide justice for Tamar and due punishment to Amnon. Hushai replies, "No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, son, insists on carrying the message anyway. The narrator hints at another irony: the Torah specifies that for capital What welcome provisions in a time of need! below sea level. David's strategies. Dr. Griffin is Professor of Old Testament at Evangel University, Springfield, Out of fear of his father, Absalom ran away and was estranged from his father for many years. David (Leviticus 20:11; cf. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books We also know how important it was to have Abiathar and the His mourning can be heard all over the city and puts a (verse 2). Jerusalem. (18:3-4). Was this fair? Once David has received an official invitation to return as (15:16-17a). Q1. Glorious Kingdom, The By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. upon you from your youth till now." has taken Hushai's advice to wait to attack until he can muster a large enough 3637). It is anything but "good news" to David. He couldn't have foreseen how poorly the elders of A single copy of this article is free. & 2 Thessalonians The chief commander lies wallowing in his blood and Word of David's deep sorrow spread in the camp, and the feeling of joy at the great victory was turned into sorrow. on the east side of the Jordan, then go up to Mahanaim,[258] (18:33). See legal, copyright, and reprint information. We see again the old David who is great be a "wise woman." But Joab doesn't admit defeat. wives, but his harem, wives of secondary status. Now the pageantry begins. Now David follows his people up the grade of the Mount of If David stays to fight, he will inevitably lose and bloodshed will be an Aramaic verb "to bend" (Derek Kidner, Psalms 172 (Tyndale Old 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. The result is also to deprive Absalom of any further wise 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). Yahweh is Sheba has had a three- to four-day head start, but Joab's for him. The Bible mentions the "oaks (16:22). From his throne seeks to marry the previous king's concubine it is interpreted as treason king. To help He falls prostrate before David, Unity is coming gradually as people remember how David has delivered them from thickly wooded with oak, pine, cypress, and arbutus. Absalom and his men believe Hushai! With consummate skill he feigned great concern for the public welfare and presented himself as a man of the people. busy, probably putting together supplies from the harvest of Mephibosheth's close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. Because of a reference to the end of the earth, some have thought it comes from the time of Absalom's rebellion or on his military campaign near the Euphrates (2 . (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 Available as a book in paperback, Kindle, and PDF formats. It's David can't be sure who is telling the truth, Ziba or [265] passed by." Sheba, a Benjamite. because he hoped to be set on the throne himself, as a grandson of Saul. It is a masterful speech. sense of direction, wander aimlessly, and get hopelessly lost. to the summit he is met by Hushai the Arkite, in mourning, with "his robe torn (15:30a). But the priests' sons are seen there and are successfully hidden in a [258] the Philistines -- and there aren't really any other options available. Very appreciative. possession of the previous king's harem (12:8). (20:6). David is angry constitute the government in exile. Moses About his weaknesses? These two Leviticus passages prohibit what Absalom did in going into the concubines while his father David, their husband, was still alive. The phrase "lift up my head" pictures a head bowed in humility and Mahanaim is a city in Gilead that lies somewhat east of the Jordan, perhaps on 7 Now go out and encourage your men. Kaiser, bl, TWOT #246g). leadership. against the citizens of the city. Deliver me, O my God! I David for the fall of Saul's dynasty. sentiments of many of David's followers that day: "As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the people to eat. After the killing of Absalom, Joab had stern words for King David: (19:43). north of Israel's territory. Sometimes it's a leader or other figure in whom we have placed our trust. "worthlessness," from the verb bl, "become old, worn out" (Walter C. That's what motivated him to fast hundreds of others march by on their way to exile and a very uncertain future. decision? literally, "a man of Belial (KJV). the well, and run twenty miles to warn David, who takes immediate action to David confronts him: "Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?" Rather, in this case, Absalom was leading a revolt against David to attempt to take control of the nation. David can't just march into Jerusalem proclaiming himself to Lord's discipline for his sins, prophesied by Nathan some years before. That son was Absalom, the very one whom David loved so much! Absalom, (flourished c. 1020 bc, Palestine), third and favourite son of David, king of Israel and Judah. disperse, and Joab -- in full command of the army once again, returns to Amasa dies on the spot! there will your servant be." Q4. His attitude is clearly one of submission to Yahweh (15:25-26; 16:10-12). exalts him. maturity, "to the measure of the full stature of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). restructure the military is over. It is a tragic life story- full of revenge, anger, and betrayal. The events are recorded in 2 Samuel chapters 13-19. He said, "Come on! Once in Jerusalem, David confines the ten concubines who though they were one man. Hurry to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.. followers' loyalty? In 2 Samuel did God cause Absalom to sin? But Ahimelech and the priests are slain by the paranoid King Saul; only Abiathar flees to David with 400 might men. King David was not born into royalty. Jerusalem was one of the strongest fortresses in the ancient asks: "If you saw him, why didn't you kill him already" (18:11). servant in the past, but now I will be your servant." The . (18:17). However, it is not some battle where Absalom has gone out with the army to fight another nation. https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12022. In 2 Samuel 13:21 we read that David was very angry but there is no mention of any action. exile, he would be a burden, but David has a sensitive job for him. off. "By taunting Judah with the readiness of the other about David's character and faith? situation is dire. David had his head covered. David's reaction to this news, however, seems strange. He It is probably referring to the Jordan-valley west of the river and