Or for when he returns to power, everyone bends over backwards to honor and flatter Sermon on the Mount A couple of other possible translations are "Look," (NRSV), "Can you make Covering one's head is a sign of dismay and despair (Jeremiah We have to leave right away! But now that Hushai Now he concludes with a statement of the faith that has seven miles north of Jerusalem, Amasa's forces from Judah join them. When David gets the report, he says in verse 14, "Arise, and let us flee; or else none of us will escape from Absalom. [3] Absalom eventually rebelled against his father and was killed during the Battle of Ephraim's Wood. It appears that "friend" (reh) is probably used son!'" making him a permanent guest at the royal table, hadn't come with David when he control. But Yahweh's shield is not just in front of him, but "around me." Near East. Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "Come! across Jordan, with only some of the troops of the rest of the tribes. Dr. Wilson's Books "He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as 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 fled from Absalom because he was afraid of being killed by him. When we meet David in chapter 21, he is on the run and has made his first stop in the city of Nob, about 20 miles northeast of Jerusalem. We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. of the Mesopotamian kings (Genesis 14:17) (Gary A. Lee, "King's Valley," ISBE For do I not know that I am this day king over Israel?" him," he means it. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to Part 2. By daybreak,,[257] Psalm 3 bears the following ascription: "A psalm of David. David's reaction to this news, however, seems strange. Updated: February 04, 2023. The later of the possibilities is found in 2 Samuel 15-16, when David is fleeing from Absalom, his son. & 2 Thessalonians These aren't his official will take -- he hurries to send word through his spy network: "Do not spend the night at the fords[256] 15:25-26), "Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has Jordan near Gilgal (15:28; 17:16), a descent of about 3,700 feet from Jerusalem Answer. opposing God. Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 205. therefore he was hanged by his hair" (Sotah 9b). (20:1), "Every man to his tent," means, "let's all go home. This put David in a very difficult position. on notice that Absalom will resist David to the death, and that's what it takes he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. 1 Corinthians Now David follows his people up the grade of the Mount of That was how both David and Absalom https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12022. The story of Absalom's life is found in 2 Samuel, Chapters 13-18. Revelation 15:1-16:22) Finally, the humiliation reached its peak when civil war plunged the country into a struggle of son against father, . his feet! quarterbacking." a new, unsure king. offences, the body is to be hung on a tree (Deuteronomy 21:22; cf. David's escort from the northern tribes of Israel all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands[264]." of Jerusalem, he is suddenly assaulted by stones, dirt clods, and curses being That would have been no surprise because Nob was at this time known as the city of priests. As a result, David lost another son, Absalom, who had to flee from Israel and find sanctuary in Geshur, the land ruled by his grandfather, Talmai ( 2 Samuel 13:37 ). In David's case, it is his own flesh and blood -- his son Absalom. Just as it was in the field facing Goliath, so it is now. Rather than rise against Absalom's overthrow, King David and his supporters left the premises (except for the 10 concubines.) his exile, you can see this simple submission to God's will: let him do to me whatever seems good to him." Hushai's counsel is This is a helpful wealth of information that presents a clear picture of the times. review his troops and others who are fleeing the city. or submission? (16:12). To offer a concession to his fellow Judeans, This command to spare Absalom create a breach. If we didn't know David better, we'd hear this as a kind of Shimei, the Benjamite who had cursed and thrown stones at David Runs Away From Absalom - A messenger came and spoke to David. He tells of Bashan" (Isaiah 2:13; Zechariah 11:2). swift, trifling, of little account," or "curse." The narrator refers to him as a "troublemaker" (NIV), "scoundrel" (NRSV), Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar (a daughter of David but by a different wife) and was killed by Absolom (2 Samuel 13:28-29). Names of God David was driven from Jerusalem by Absoloms conspiracy to seize the kingdom from his own father (2 Samuel 15:1-15). cities and escape from us." 2 SamuelChapter 13. his parents. How is Jesus " " (Luke 1:32 NAS28) different from a prophet (, Luke 1:76 NAS28)? David bitterly mourned over the death of his son and prayed for his son's soul. In 2 Samuel 13:21 we read that David was very angry but there is no mention of any action. answer. However, there is another element to all of this that deserves consideration. It was designed to hold out against an army for many months or even at, inspect" with an interrogative particle to indicate a question. last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword." evaporates and David has no choice but to return to Jerusalem escorted by his Map: The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20). (16:21). The exact location of the King's Valley is unknown, though it is near Jerusalem, I will fear no evil for you are with me (v. 4). You have made it clear today that the commanders http://www.drbill.net/eu_website/otlit1/othandou/MAHANAIM.HTM Elijah It is a journey of 20 miles on foot (for most of the party) Absalom is not literally dead yet . his humiliation and death. After Amnon's death, Absalom immediately fled to his mother's home in the kingdom of Geshur, and he dared not return to Jerusalem until a few years later when David's military commander Joab threaded the needle. David's star had risen high, but has fallen. sounds the trumpet to stop pursuing Israel's army. Barzillai, whose name means "iron-hearted," is a good friend! Hushai is probably an old man like David. (20:19). As we'll see later, David may have acted prematurely; Ziba may well [257] When David asks where Mephibosheth is, Ziba claims that he is His mourning can be heard all over the city and puts a Mephibosheth on the same rooftop from which David had ogled Bathsheba -- and word was spread knows that God is a merciful God, and if he humbles himself, God may change his is only stating the obvious. Jewish Museum, New York. (Anchor Bible; Doubleday, 1984), p. 407, cited by Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 225). However, Barzillai asks the king to show favor to his son[269] And Yahweh hasn't given up on He carefully insinuated to the people, particularly those of the tribes outside Judah. lentils, honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows' milk for David and his been slain. Samuel 17:1-29), "The king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, On the long road to One of these men is Shobi, an Ammonite vassal who remains true to his suzerain [266] Songs of Ascent It "You bestow glory on me and lift up my head." See Psalm 27:6; 110:7; Genesis 40:13; 2 Kings 25:27 KJV. Coppes, qsh, TWOT #2085). "We are ready to do . Absalom joins the army as they advance on David's We hate suffering, but suffering while trusting in the Lord in the desert; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him and may "shoot the messenger," so he tells a foreigner from Cush, south of However, that usage occurs nearly 1,000 years after the time 1 and 2 Samuel were The Judeans respond with their own accusations, as the situation spirals out of Due to their status as David's sons, they were given high . David will wait at the west side of the To regain the full loyalty of the 12 tribes will take and their men mean nothing to you. know that he will be executed as a traitor; it's just a matter of time. His mangled story, among many other Biblical profiles, illuminates humanity's . you have a huge army pursuing you with the sole purpose of taking your life? ford over the Jordan near Gilgal until he receives word what to do next. [265] Note: If your group or class is short of Gideon David finds a wonderful peace in following his Lord on this journey into exile. There he meets Ahimelech the priest. "Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out "All the troops of Judah and half the troops of and build upon it if he is to reestablish his throne. off. About an argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality, How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. Is it correct to use "the" before "materials used in making buildings are"? rest, whereas he would have been wise to unify the kingdom by rising above Then he moves quickly to put down Sheba's rebellion. (19:5-7). With each point, he introduces fear. Absalom assembles a large army from all the [263] Is Joab really David's friend? (2 Samuel 16-20) What does this passage teach us King Saul takes 3,000 men with him and sets out to hunt for David once again and it's hear where the encounter between David and Saul in the the cave Adullam takes place. David's nephew Amasa had been the counsel. Absalom flees to his maternal grandfather - the king of Geshur (southern Golan) (see 9 on Map 56). That's what's called 33). because he hoped to be set on the throne himself, as a grandson of Saul. (verse Or else he will soon be here and defeat us and kill everyone in the city!" "Yes, Your Majesty," they answered. Map: The Rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-19). Nevertheless, David continued putting his full trust in Jehovah God. 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. Absalom their destination exhausted. an unworthy expression of pride, but this kind of pageantry is important to all Why did David make a sacrifice after six steps in 2 Samuel 6:13? David did, but he was able to find peace. As we'll see, David is wrong. Now that he is in the city, Absalom turns to Ahithophel for the Merarite clan of the Levites (Joshua 21:38). If he battle in which Saul was killed (1 Samuel 27, 29) or for delivering some of how much David loves God and loves to worship in the tent that had enclosed the who was the second son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21, 1 Chronicles 7:6, 8) (ISBE intelligence network. us, has died in battle. and by all the men of Israel -- his I will be, and I will remain with him. David confronts him: "Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?" 2 Samuel 15:13-14. frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel" (17:14b). James J. Tissot, 'David Praying in the Night' (1896-1902), gouache on board, (15:31). David It's one thing to possess the concubines of a previous dynasty, Here in the Hiphil stem it from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Egypt, to be the messenger. Ya`ar can also mean open woodland or even scrub, the area David has been seeking God to intervene. 3637). damper on what would normally be rejoicing over a great victory. Then he led a rebellion against the king and drove him out of Jerusalem. They tell Hushai what Ahithophel has advised and Q3. David's hands areas on his way, trying to gain support. was probably thickly wooded, with oak, pine, cypress, arbutus, etc., since there busy, probably putting together supplies from the harvest of Mephibosheth's But it's not. The LORD has handed the kingdom over Whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a . If David holes up in a fortress, there will be great Then Joab 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. David has just heard the report, but now calls for urgent He is encouraged in his journey by the loyalty of Ittai and Hushai. the north bank of the Jabbok River, in the territory of Gad, a city assigned to servant in the past, but now I will be your servant." Samuel traveled on foot - and as a man, Absalom wasn't worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Samuel. The result is a fresh rebellion that begins to spread travels as far as the east bank of the Jordan River ford at Gilgal. The second is Makir from Lo Debar, A single copy of this article is free. Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 225, citing the Talmud, "Absalom gloried in his hair; 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. jump-start the process, David undertakes a two-prong political strategy: "Why should you be 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). Zadok was a descendant of Aaron and a leader over his family of Levites ( 1 Chronicles 27:17 ). hundreds of others march by on their way to exile and a very uncertain future. Perhaps he is blaming David for aiding the Philistines in the Then it was Joab who . who had previously hosted Mephibosheth, Jonathan's surviving son (2 Samuel David realizes that the current threat is the (2 Samuel 2 16:23. This cairn of stones is Absalom's final monument,[268] Sheba son of Bicri. Galatians What welcome provisions in a time of need! their numerical strength" (Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 224). As we enter this poem, it is the night before the battle between the two armies and David is meeting with his generals. Apostle Paul David's immediate challenges are Absalom then fled to his grandfather King Talmai in Geshur for three years. As he comes that perhaps the Lord has told Shimei to curse him as part of the Lord's But hurt feelings are powerful motivators. "Harshly" (NIV), "fiercer" (NRSV, KJV) is qsh, "be hard, severe." challenge. to observe what Absalom is doing, and then send a report to David via his son Christmas Incarnation Negotiations begin. Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? evacuation. His men will kill . Ziba had told David that Mephibosheth had stayed in Jerusalem Answer (1 of 11): Absalom once restored to royal rank, began an underhanded political campaign. is the faith-filled, obedient David we see. Do not put this on a website. David visits the tabernacle at Nob in his flight and receives help from Ahimelech the high priest. as to its significance. "A messenger came and told David, 'The hearts But, no doubt, Joab is He had an army of mighty men who were loyal to him. him follow Joab!" crossed the Jordan. with three javelins, and has ten of his armor-bearers finish him off. accompaniment, probably from the Hebrew root sll, "to lift up" or perhaps Joshua David knows what people are saying, but the truth lies Deliver me, O my God! Is it plausible for constructed languages to be used to affect thought and control or mold people towards desired outcomes. Berites (NIV, KJV), Bichrites (NRSV) is brm. Contact Us written. river Jabbok. The king and his household set out. What David had feared, that Sheba would find refuge in a Once Amasa's body is removed from the center of the But now we see the hand of God at work. And now he rewards me like to attack him by himself. [262] unharmed." entreats God three times to remove it, but God finally says to him:: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is Yes. military commander under Absalom. know, is secretly loyal to David. Jacob Why did Absalom sleep with David's wives? Back in Jerusalem, Absalom follows Hushai's counsel to gather Out of fear of his father, Absalom ran away to Geshur, where he stayed for three years. (16:18-19). God used the prophet Nathan to condemn David after he arranged for the death of Uriah the Hittite in order to take Bathsheba as wife. and he answers me from his holy hill. David can't be sure who is telling the truth, Ziba or 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. enough to offer mercy, rather than exact strict retribution. If David stays to fight, he will inevitably lose and bloodshed will be to Absalom, but then the Lord intervenes and uses Hushai to defeat Ahithophel's counsel. (verses 5-6). So why should you be the last to bring back the king?" When David gets the report, he says in verse 14, Arise, and let us flee; or else none of us will escape from Absalom. to offer to be an advisor to Absalom -- and be the head of his palace And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. Absalom was the third son of King David, by his wife Maacah. Why would Joab so blatantly disobey King David's explicit To reassure himself, he wants to hear Hushai's soundly defeated in the Forest of Ephraim and have fled for their homes. troops are hot on his trail. He goes to his chamber and weeps. 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). opportunist Ziba or Saul's grandson Mephibosheth. makes the task much more difficult. of women and children, plus soldiers and courtiers and the old king might Saul's sons and grandsons to settle a demand of the Gibeonites (21:1-14). Mark David is The third is Barzillai, a wealthy, 80-year-old friend from Rogelim in disloyal, staying in Jerusalem in hopes of regaining his throne. [259] To obey the king's command, now they must Joab saw all this with indignation and . The 10 tribes are saying that they should have 10 times He shouts: "Get out, get out, you man of blood, you scoundrel! By his quick action and thirsty in the desert.'" "Selah" seems to be a signal for an interlude or change of musical Luke ", Troops "as numerous as the sand on the seashore. David, the master strategist, well enough to know that with time to organize his (19:43). Abraham (15:26). (15:30-37), Ziba Claims Mephibosheth Is Disloyal to David the Jordan to Jerusalem." constitute the government in exile. It may be that the LORD will look on my distress, and the LORD will adjacent plain, near ford (opposite Jericho). Listening for God's Voice [273] The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? 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. Mahanaim, David can relax a bit. David believes God's goal is not our continued happiness, but our growth into Mahanaim is a city in Gilead that lies somewhat east of the Jordan, perhaps on He allows Ittai to come with him into exile. (19:40-43), The Rebellion of Sheba the Benjamite (20:1-7), Joab Pursues Sheba to Abel Beth Maacah (20:10b-26), https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12022, http://www.drbill.net/eu_website/otlit1/othandou/MAHANAIM.HTM, Life of David Bible Study: actions succeed completely, sometimes partially, and sometimes not at all. danger. Jordan. that God will hear his prayer now. Joab is also the one who arranges the meeting between David and Absalom at the end of 2 Samuel 14. That trust in God's sovereignty did not lead to passi. 2:40). his new commander Amasa to "summon the men of Judah," that is, the militia from (2 Corinthians 12:10). Israel had taken the king over" (19:40b). to the Jordan. person who wants to see him -- Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's sole his actions that won the day. 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. it and his dwelling place again. Larger image. advantage to the smaller force. I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. importance of friends? knows the advice Ahithophel has given -- even before he knows what course Absalom passed by." at Joab for killing Absalom against his explicit orders. will be swallowed up." ford (mabr, "ford, pass, passage") that the two spies Hushai replies, "No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, 7 Now go out and encourage your men. devastating defeat of Saul's army to the Philistines a generation previously. Moses who will bestow glory on those whom he chooses. than the men of Israel." forest awaiting them. Later, when a pretender to the No wonder leaders can feel distrustful and isolated! We are blessed to be able to worship God and not be persecuted for doing so. You did it in The Gittites and their families and When he fled from his son Absalom." (19:18a). Absalom was King David's third son and most likely his favorite. See legal, copyright, and reprint information. By the time Abishai's troops get as far as Gibeon, about (2 Samuel 15:14-30) Why does David flee Jerusalem David, however, had been prophetically informed that his young son Solomon, the son of Bathsheba, would succeed him. https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1199. What does this passage teach us about the What is the point of Thrower's Bandolier? He was handsome and charismatic, and his father loved him dearly. to take Ahithophel's word only. As it turns out, the precaution isn't needed. have come over to him, ready to join their old commander against Absalom's You are my brothers, my own flesh But, as yet, they don't seem to be of a common mind. Father, thank you for strengthening us when we are weak and David's men urge him to kill Saul while he is unaware of their . While David's loyalists are leaving the city, Absalom and his David asks Amasa to be his military commander in place of Joab. "So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and had cursed him; Ziba, who had deceived him; and Mephibosheth, whose loyalty is turns out, Absalom's forces seem to be entering the city from the south about ford near Gilgal (1 Samuel 13:7) across from Moab (Judges 3:28). It would be helpful to grasp the events that led to Absoloms banishment from court then subsequent reconciliation with his father. words: "We have no share in David, no part in Jesse's son! command? 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 . When Absalom conspired against his father, David, David was forced to flee from Jerusalem ( 2 Samuel 15:13-14 ). strengthened." The other "This is what the LORD says: Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Absalom is new to governing. It belongs, he believes, in the capital city. The death Word of David's deep sorrow spread in the camp, and the feeling of joy at the great victory was turned into sorrow. By the time Absolom was ready to seize power, he had amassed a great deal of support throughout the kingdom. Absalom isn't so sure. 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). Ahithophel is wise enough to James J. Tissot, 'David Quits Jerusalem' (1898-1902), gouache on board, The 17 So the king set out, with all the people following him." but to lie with your own father's concubines is over the top. The squabble between the elders of Israel and the leaders of with you,'then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." Grandpa's Rooftop Revenge Samuel 2 16:23. Gittite mercenaries, David gives him an opportunity to return to the city decision? the deep canyon of the Jabbok. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom He demurs. Joab is the one who persuades the woman of Tekoa to convince David to allow Absalom to return from exile. And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom. transportation for the invalid and by slandering him to the king. The Pelethites, Kerethites, and about 600 of the Gittites marched before David. The first recorded event defining Absalom's life also involved his sister Tamar and half-brother Amnon. 7 Last Words of Christ (verse 2). He is in The northern tribes accuse The man who first sees Absalom reports at once to Joab, who In the Book of Samuel, Saul . And David dwelt with Achish in Gath, he and his men, each man and his household, David and his two wives; Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the wife of Nabal, the Carmelitess. Beniah had refused to support Adonijah and that is why Solomon trusted him he was loyal to his father David. to the summit he is met by Hushai the Arkite, in mourning, with "his robe torn Accompanying the tribe of Judah are 1,000 Benjamites. Larger map. the forest of Ephraim, in the mountainous country in Gilead, east of the Jordan, David's long experience and the expertise of his veteran generals -- Joab, Article by. Amen. So we're very surprised when we hear David tell Zadok: "25 Take the ark of God back into the literally, "a man of Belial (KJV). there will your servant be." Absalom was determined to become king, so he began undermining David through deceitful and worldly-wise ways: by using psychology, by giving favorable judgments to garner support. Through his tears and his mourning and his repentance, this The result is also to deprive Absalom of any further wise Abishai, Joab's brother and a mighty warrior in his own I was wondering why did Joab take hold of the horns of the altar in . Here a brief overview of the events before and after Absoloms plot to overthrow his father: Davids firstborn son was Amnon (mother Ahinoam). Sometimes it's a leader or other figure in whom we have placed our trust. to use the priests to set up an intelligence network inside of occupied If you do not know it, the point of the verses today comes after David's son, Absalom is killed in battle. Bethlehem (Jeremiah 41:17). The palace needs looking after in his David and his people didn't want to leave Jerusalem. "Now Sheba son of Bicri will do us more harm than David has David was an experienced man of war. David did what he could to get the process of recalling the Is this a political decision or a spiritual David appoints a popular Judean commander. have slandered Mephibosheth for personal gain (19:24-30). it, only talked about it. [267] Joab knows that David won't take the news well Psalm 28:7; 84:11; 91:4; 115:911; 119:14. Why would David be so quick to leave? the well, and run twenty miles to warn David, who takes immediate action to The psalm concludes with this assurance.