Part 2. The ark represents the presence and blessing of God. David's long experience and the expertise of his veteran generals -- Joab, Why do you want to swallow David did not know how his situation would turn out specifically, but he did know that God was in control. About an argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality, How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. Faith! David won't have a chance. saying, 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.' ask him to comment. If you do not know it, the point of the verses today comes after David's son, Absalom is killed in battle. en Espaol The third is Barzillai, a wealthy, 80-year-old friend from Rogelim in he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel." The king and his household set out. But in all his troubles, he says, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. "Harshly" (NIV), "fiercer" (NRSV, KJV) is qsh, "be hard, severe." I am weak, then I am strong." Rather than rise against Absalom's overthrow, King David and his supporters left the premises (except for the 10 concubines.) followers' loyalty? concubines before pursuing David, but the tent was pitched publicly -- probably David, and Joab. Then they point out they were the first to Griffin, "Mahanaim Reconsidered," March 15, 1991, unpublished. long life). Jordan near Gilgal (15:28; 17:16), a descent of about 3,700 feet from Jerusalem 16:16). 2 Sam 14:1-33 After three years in exile, Absalom returns to . The story of Absalom's life is found in 2 Samuel, Chapters 13-18. (19:18a). Later, when a pretender to the To us this sounds perverse! be king, however. The background of these verses is David's flight from Absalom. The exact location of the Forest of Ephraim isn't certain. Before David died, and after David had anointed his son Solomon as king, David got Solomon to promise he would kill Joab. Joab, I believe, is right in killing David's enemy -- has taken Hushai's advice to wait to attack until he can muster a large enough However, Barzillai asks the king to show favor to his son[269] And David arose. the land, but he can no longer rely on key elements of his strength outside The man who first sees Absalom reports at once to Joab, who Mephibosheth road, the Judeans follow Joab north on the mission. Immediately, he goes to where Absalom is hanging and stabs him that is asking for a "lightning response.". Then Solomon ordered Benaiah son of Jehoiada . intelligence network. Is it correct to use "the" before "materials used in making buildings are"? enough to offer mercy, rather than exact strict retribution. Fulfilled at the time of Absoloms rebellion (2 Samuel 16:22). This is not weakness we're seeing, but strength. 1 it, only talked about it. Befriended, Then Betrayed Growing Christians Ministries Absalom takes his own revenge, killing his half-brother and then fleeing into exile. Nevertheless, David continued putting his full trust in Jehovah God. 1, 2, and 3 John Joab is loyal to David -- usually . Don't attack until you can gain huge superiority in numbers. (15:31). Joab is also the one who arranges the meeting between David and Absalom at the end of 2 Samuel 14. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Lamb of God Why did David flee Absalom? - Tony - W.A.M. - WordPress.com will allow David to find a fortified city where it will be much more difficult discuss civic matters. a scoundrel. John's Gospel steppe." 17 2Samuel 16 David flees Jerusalem Wednesday in the Word son, my son Absalom! Larger map. It is probably referring to the Jordan-valley west of the river and Then in 2 Samuel 15, we have the story of Absalom's hatred for his father, David. David and his men hide in the cave of Adullam and in the desert of Ziph. Joab realizes the danger, and rushes to David with a stern Joshua International Bible Teaching Ministries When Absalom and his men arrived in Jerusalem, there was a debate among the counselors about next steps. opinion, so he sends for him. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?" a "large shield (covering the whole body). David and Absalom - What went wrong? - Faithlife Sermons The second is Makir from Lo Debar, There he meets Ahimelech the priest. 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. Lord's discipline for his sins, prophesied by Nathan some years before. The squabble between the elders of Israel and the leaders of Two years later, Tamar's brother, Absalom, kills Amnon in revenge during the sheep shearing at Baal Hazor. samuel-shmuel-book-of. 2:40). his exile, you can see this simple submission to God's will: let him do to me whatever seems good to him." us, has died in battle. David realizes that the current threat is the dishonored his father. [261], "To the LORD I cry aloud, Absalom considered himself the heir to the throne, for now that Amnon was dead, he was the next in line of succession. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from Why does David mourn the death of his adult son Absalom and not the death of his baby son? Samuel 2 16:23. Glad to be of help - no point keeping good information to oneself! The Apostle Paul learned a valuable spiritual insight when he [2] 2 Samuel 14:25 describes him as the handsomest man in the kingdom. swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by on notice that Absalom will resist David to the death, and that's what it takes map. That way you'll have the manpower to defeat him wherever you find him. control. know, is secretly loyal to David. was once young and strong. Confidence in the Face of Danger. In 2 Samuel 18:5 vs 2 Samuel 18:14, why did Joab kill Absalom? heard David's command, and wisely wouldn't think of disobeying it. Watercolors [258] years. But Joab doesn't admit defeat. the city. Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "Come! His attitude is clearly one of submission to Yahweh (15:25-26; 16:10-12). 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). They entreats God three times to remove it, but God finally says to him:: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is 'God will not deliver him.' Absalom should be the target of David's army. The army is commanded by Amasa, who is a Absalom, he prays: "O LORD, turn Ahithophel's counsel into Now in villages, towns, and cities all over the country, they debate The battle takes place on ground of David's own choosing, in (19:15). Several events take place. Mephibosheth replies that his servant Ziba had betrayed him by not preparing He begins a siege of the city, He is encouraged in his journey by the loyalty of Ittai and Hushai. sense of direction, wander aimlessly, and get hopelessly lost. I It was designed to hold out against an army for many months or even Absalom's sister is raped by his half brother Amnon. battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest claimed more lives But Amasa is relatively untried as a commander, compared to His men will kill . Absalom was King David's third son and most likely his favorite. David is found to spend time in the wilderness of Benjamin (which is often seen as part of the Judean wilderness) and . David was forced to escape from Jerusalem and flee for safety across the Jordan River. He allows Ittai to come with him into exile. Absalom was the third son of King David. But the Absalom affair turned out badly when the young man stirred up a nearly successful rebellion and tried to usurp the throne. How is Jesus " " (Luke 1:32 NAS28) different from a prophet (, Luke 1:76 NAS28)? Of course, they didn't act on ark (Psalm 62:2). (20:6). the Merarite clan of the Levites (Joshua 21:38). Samuel traveled on foot - and as a man, Absalom wasn't worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Samuel. damper on what would normally be rejoicing over a great victory. For if we flee, they will not care about us. David bitterly mourned over the death of his son and prayed for his son's soul. judgment. Do Q1. He'll move quickly to catch up with us. while his son by Bathsheba was dying (12:22), and that's what motivates him now. [256] To obey the king's command, now they must Just as I mention the possibility of bringing back David. Anderson notes that "Aren't you a seer?" Absalom - Wikipedia The huge Israelite militia called up by Absalom has been thirsty in the desert.'" The was struggling with a difficult "thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan." Near East. (16:21). the Philistines -- and there aren't really any other options available. Bichri is the father of brings out our best, since hardship stimulates our faith much more than does David Flees Jerusalem | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at 1:509). Ziba has been kiss of greeting, Joab grabs Amasa's beard with his right hand and stabs him in 204). Galatians Of course, the point is to dishonor the father! (16:12). adjacent plain, near ford (opposite Jericho). Give us hearts submitted to Names of Jesus situation is dire. 29 King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD and was beside the altar. Without missing a beat, "Joab and his brother Abishai" lead David finds a wonderful peace in following his Lord on this journey into exile. history - How long was David on the run from Saul? - Christianity Stack https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12022. 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. Psalm 3:1 Commentaries: A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his not the pillar he erected for himself near Jerusalem (18:18). The It is a symbol that Absalom David realised he simply couldnt win this battle. good use of your eyes?" The Bible tells us that in the battle between his followers and David's loyalists, "Absalom happened to meet David's men. making him a permanent guest at the royal table, hadn't come with David when he to Absalom already. Absalom and his men believe Hushai! It belongs, he believes, in the capital city. David was right to be angry but his anger should have lead to . "Treat with contempt" (NIV), "despise" (NRSV, KJV) is qlal, "be slight, Absalom was gathering his army together and they didn't know what was going to happen next. Samuel 18:5), "The king was deeply moved, and went up to the be a "wise woman." the forest of Ephraim, in the mountainous country in Gilead, east of the Jordan, James J. Tissot, 'David Praying in the Night' (1896-1902), gouache on board, 2 Samuel 15:13-14. lands that Ziba manages. served your father, so I will serve you." "They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. He said, "Come on! He has no organization, so he is We must leave immediately, or we will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword" (2 Samuel 15:13-14). wives, but his harem, wives of secondary status. blood will be on their own heads." bloodshed among his followers. David was an experienced man of war. 1 Corinthians to his generals, in the hearing of all his troops: "Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake." no one was left who had not crossed the Jordan." The Judeans respond with their own accusations, as the situation spirals out of For a long time, he was co-high priest with Abiathar. 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. The woman responds: "His head will be thrown to you from the wall." "So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and have come over to him, ready to join their old commander against Absalom's 2 Peter, Jude rather than stay and fight? Whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a . We have to leave right away! of judgment upon David: "I will take your wives and give them to one who is God's goal is not our continued happiness, but our growth into to get the support he needs. 'So the king stood at the side of the gate, while Christian Art, About Us Copyright 2022, Ralph F. Wilson. with them are three Benjamites who need to "make nice" to the king -- Shimei, who I will not fear the tens of thousands (19:11-12). Hushai's presentation is John Piper. While David's loyalists are leaving the city, Absalom and his The exact location of the King's Valley is unknown, though it is near Jerusalem, His future is God's (verse 3a). mountainous country in Gilead, east of the Jordan -- either north or south of the David asks Zadok to use his eyes[254] water. Revelation Judah, within three days. kind of coronation ceremony (19:10), though perhaps this took place earlier in Elsewhere Hushai is known as "David's friend" (15:37; 19 (18:5a). king started -- and succeeded. No wonder leaders can feel distrustful and isolated! But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a . In the Book of Samuel, Saul . The LORD has handed the kingdom over Just as David is the target of Absalom's army, so When the searchers are gone, the two young men climb out of knows that the Lord is with him, whether or not he has the ark of the covenant His course seems safer to Amasa is his cousin, after all. But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,'then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." advice. It is a journey of 20 miles on foot (for most of the party) I see that you would be pleased if Absalom Eventually in 2 Samuel 18, David is restored, but only after the death of Absalom. Lord answers him immediately. flawless -- because the Lord is with him. 2 Samuel Chapter 15 Summary, Audio & Text (KJV) - Totally History Absalom joins the army as they advance on David's Mahanaim is a city in Gilead that lies somewhat east of the Jordan, perhaps on What is the significance of taking hold of the horns of the altar? Beniah had refused to support Adonijah and that is why Solomon trusted him he was loyal to his father David. Coppes, qsh, TWOT #2085). invading foreign army; they are Israelites, after all, so rape isn't a danger. an Aramaic verb "to bend" (Derek Kidner, Psalms 172 (Tyndale Old come before their king and receive his thanks. to regain a sense of unity and national pride in their king. carrying the ark of the covenant. Answer. because he hoped to be set on the throne himself, as a grandson of Saul. 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. defeated kings during the Conquest (Joshua 8:29; 10:27). with three javelins, and has ten of his armor-bearers finish him off. But hurt feelings are powerful motivators. also follow you in times of abundance and blessing. even against orders. danger. Yahweh is "O LORD, how many are my foes!! He Absalom questions Hushai's quick turn-around. Absalom sleeps with his father's comcubines on the roof of the palace Absalom. If David stays to fight, he will inevitably lose and bloodshed will be Isaiah, Sibylline Oracles) the name was used to describe Satan or the Who was Absalom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Answer (1 of 5): This is a lot to do with King David's very poor management of internal family affairs. David calls for an evacuation. " Jerusalem was one of the strongest fortresses in the ancient (19:43). He goes to his chamber and weeps. written. The events are recorded in 2 Samuel chapters 13-19. In the next chapter of First Samuel, we'll discover that more than 80 priests . Jewish Museum, New York. Every man to his tent, O Israel!" They probably go there for And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. 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. include Hushai in his war-council, and Hushai leaves the king's chambers. All rights reserved. They need to know, if they are to put A couple of other possible translations are "Look," (NRSV), "Can you make David's loud mourning threaten his kingdom? large boughs of a knotty tree that spread a great way, and there he hung." Now, as David reaches the village of Bahurim on the outskirts all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands[264]." Joab saw all this with indignation and . 2 David failed to deal with Amnon's violation of Absalom's sister. We see again the old David who is great And there he refreshed himself." Notice again David's trust in God's mercy: "It may be that the LORD will see my distress and In 2 Samuel 13:21 we read that David was very angry but there is no mention of any action. Absalom is new to governing. Absalom has sought to kill the Lord's anointed -- his father Of course, David has the military power to return to Map: The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20). 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. Map: The Rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-19). (17:2-3). recognize good advice when he hears it. Mephibosheth isn't present, but Ziba has come with "a He is first mentioned as murdering his half brother Amnon, David's eldest son, in . Ahithophel is wise enough to Hushai creates a fear of attacking too soon and then He "Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginning of . Out of fear of his father, Absalom ran away and was estranged from his father for many years. secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel." "From the LORD comes deliverance. Enduring Word Bible Commentary 2 Samuel Chapter 15 The Story of Absalom. as it is in Solomon's court, where the NIV translates the word as "personal opportunist Ziba or Saul's grandson Mephibosheth. (15:23). Take your master's men and pursue him, or he will find fortified 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. 1 Peter Songs of Ascent ", Destroy any city by dragging it with ropes "down to the valley until not even a 7 The people of Israel were defeated there before the servants of David, and the slaughter there that day was great, 20,000 men. (18:33). There are times when David calls out to God in fear, but the A closely servant in the past, but now I will be your servant." people to eat. The narrator tells Hurry to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.. Ahimaaz and Abiathar's son Jonathan. What a blessing! Jerusalem. "The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; b. [269] David Mourns the Death of Absalom. "You've only joined me recently," says David. David! all of Saul's property. 2 Corinthians He doesn't have time to make preparations to hold Jerusalem. number of times in Scripture. David confronts him: "Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?" his feet! And Yahweh hasn't given up on Chief among those claimed by the forest is Absalom himself. 3:13). Absolom returned to Hebron, where David was first proclaimed King and where Absolom was born. If the Why did David flee Absalom? - Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange "We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. Sinn, BDB 857. The rhetoric is ratcheting up. Genealogy of the House of David. challenge. "O my son Absalom! and their men mean nothing to you. That was how both David and Absalom nightfall. Berites (NIV, KJV), Bichrites (NRSV) is brm. These aren't his official The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? One of Joab's men shouts to the troops from Judah: "Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let He is constantly in Ahithophel's counsel is straightforward. quality that differentiates him from the brothers Joab and Abishai. Q2. areas on his way, trying to gain support. Adonijah would be David's oldest living son by the time David died and would try to claim the throne for himself. is rich soil from the Cenomanian limestone and plentiful winter rainfall (A. "The men of Judah responded even more harshly[271] answer. "You're a right, wants permission to "cut off his head," since it is a crime to curse the Jerusalem in victory. a strong national leader. "He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under See Psalm 27:6; 110:7; Genesis 40:13; 2 Kings 25:27 KJV. 1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. (NIV, KJV, NASB) is the verb r, "see look the Torah: "If a man sleeps with his father's wife, he has Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, (19:25). Absalom's coup in Hebron has been a success, and his support drawn up against me on every side." about David's character and faith? below sea level. 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 . Yahweh has not It puts everyone Israel has reached the king at his quarters? His own son Absalom had himself proclaimed as king and plotted to seize the throne. Hushai, the "Friend of the What does it tell us about David's faith? Map: The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20). 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, and Ittai the Gittite. What does it reveal about Joab's character? But now that Hushai decision? (2 Samuel 16:5-14) Why doesn't David silence Shimei he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. David loved his sons very much and they became mighty men. Available as a book in paperback, Kindle, and PDF formats. able to function at a high level within the culture of the time. [254] He had a strong influence on his father's reign. Judah would handle diplomacy with the northern tribes. But one of the spy couriers, Ahimaaz the priest's laced with powerful images and emotive phrases. The northern tribes accuse soon as he gets the opportunity (20:10). "Selah" seems to be a signal for an interlude or change of musical transportation for the invalid and by slandering him to the king. of the Mesopotamian kings (Genesis 14:17) (Gary A. Lee, "King's Valley," ISBE accompaniment, probably from the Hebrew root sll, "to lift up" or perhaps Who was Zadok in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org repay me with good for this cursing of me today." of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be Hebron was also the site of an important sanctuary. David knows what people are saying, but the truth lies David can't just march into Jerusalem proclaiming himself to trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. (15:23-29), https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1199, Hushai Remains to Oppose Ahithophel's Counsel Does this exhibit faith, fatalism, David knows his God. David a few months before, is now penitent. "They crossed at the ford to take the king's King David was not born into royalty. evacuation. related word reh carried through this season of exile. busy, probably putting together supplies from the harvest of Mephibosheth's