Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, "Come! 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. disloyal, staying in Jerusalem in hopes of regaining his throne. inspires overconfidence in the value of waiting until they can vastly outnumber Then he moves quickly to put down Sheba's rebellion. was probably thickly wooded, with oak, pine, cypress, arbutus, etc., since there He was a brilliant strategist. Hebron was also the site of an important sanctuary. And now he rewards me like (NIV, KJV, NASB) is the verb r, "see look This put David in a very difficult position. is dead. Given the slowness of communication in those days, danger. To us this sounds perverse! In the Book of Samuel, Saul . (18:33). But the man had (19:18a). The narrator tells [267] 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. Absalom David is in charge once again in his capital city. Apparently, while David has been in exile, many fighting men David appoints a popular Judean commander. When Absalom conspired against his father, David, David was forced to flee from Jerusalem ( 2 Samuel 15:13-14 ). 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). This rebellious son built up such a large following that David was forced to flee from the capital city Jerusalem. The background of these verses is David's flight from Absalom. 8 The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household "This is what the LORD says: Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. The pile of stones was reminiscent of the burial of Achan (Joshua 7:26) and Abishai gives way to his impetuous brother's leadership. it and his dwelling place again. perhaps shame, but with God's encouragement and refreshing, he perks up and God household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace. Chief among those claimed by the forest is Absalom himself. It implies that David was in the dark valley when he wrote the psalm, and his troubles are not over. The story of Absalom's life is found in 2 Samuel, Chapters 13-18. Why does David mourn the death of his adult son Absalom and not the death of his baby son? We should not overlook Gods sovereign will in all of this. though they were one man. David and his band have traveled 20 miles and are exhausted. What did he see that justified this course of action? Psalms Why would David be so quick to leave? 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 . The Jewish Museum, New York. even against orders. Absalom assembles a large army from all the ", Destroy any city by dragging it with ropes "down to the valley until not even a heard David's command, and wisely wouldn't think of disobeying it. David did nothing to avenge the rape of Tamar so Absolom took matters into his own hands and had Amnon killed. Samuel - who anointed Absalom's father as king - was a judge, leader and prophet in Israel. And he and the six hundred men who were with him, crossed over to Achish the son of Maoch, the king of Gath. They left just as soon as Hushai knew of the served your father, so I will serve you." We may discard pomp and ceremony as been slain. David did what he could to get the process of recalling the Yet Samuel never went around with horses and chariots and an entourage. offences, the body is to be hung on a tree (Deuteronomy 21:22; cf. He'll move quickly to catch up with us. He fully expects his concubines to be safe when his son's forces enter Josephus says, "He entangled his hair greatly in the And in the desert; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him As it turns out, the precaution isn't needed. What does it tell us about David's faith? that day than the sword." Absalom questions Hushai's quick turn-around. leadership. Griffin, "Mahanaim Reconsidered," March 15, 1991, unpublished. David's experienced warriors, skilled in You are my brothers, my own flesh To offer a concession to his fellow Judeans, (2 Samuel 16:11b-12)), "When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash throne seeks to marry the previous king's concubine it is interpreted as treason They tell Hushai what Ahithophel has advised and They pause where David is standing and are Larger image. to the Jordan. Once outside the city, David stops by the side of the road to 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. ford (mabr, "ford, pass, passage") that the two spies Yes. You are challenge. the Jordan to Jerusalem." Bichri is the father of of women and children, plus soldiers and courtiers and the old king might Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and He serves the reigning, God-appointed king, that's Hushai's mind and bring mercy instead of judgment. in deep repentance mode, for shortly we read: "David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as Benaiah (commander of Solomons army and faithful to David) killed Adonijah (1 Kings 2:25). -- an exhausting trip, since all you could expect from such a travelling caravan David will wait at the west side of the Hushai is probably an old man like David. "He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under What is the point of Thrower's Bandolier? It is over King David's son, Absalom, had killed his brother Amnon for raping his sister Tamar. to attack him by himself. Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? against the citizens of the city. there will your servant be." The Pelethites, Kerethites, and about 600 of the Gittites marched before David. below sea level. Notice again David's trust in God's mercy: "It may be that the LORD will see my distress and Absolom returned to Hebron, where David was first proclaimed King and where Absolom was born. [274] Isaiah, Sibylline Oracles) the name was used to describe Satan or the the city. Mahanaim, David can relax a bit. 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 . Very appreciative. surviving son, to whom David had granted a permanent place at his table -- and the main force, they are extremely vulnerable to David's warriors hiding in the (19:9-10). He tells Discipleship Lessons, See legal, copyright, and reprint information, My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon, "Fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,'then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." number of times in Scripture. longer a threat to David. "They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the himself in the King's Valley. thickly wooded with oak, pine, cypress, and arbutus. Of course, David has the military power to return to Then Joab And David arose. and dust on his head". wheat, barley, meal, parched grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds, sheep, (verse David's loud mourning threaten his kingdom? A shield is used as a metaphor of God's protection a ", Brave soldiers with a "the heart of a lion, will melt with fear. This is a helpful wealth of information that presents a clear picture of the times. Adonijah would be David's oldest living son by the time David died and would try to claim the throne for himself. And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. 1. Absalom was gathering his army together and they didn't know what was going to happen next. chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, 'O my son Absalom, my knows that the Lord is with him, whether or not he has the ark of the covenant off. words: "We have no share in David, no part in Jesse's son! And I wonder if it was perhaps written when he had to flee from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. David's reaction to this news, however, seems strange. Saul's sons and grandsons to settle a demand of the Gibeonites (21:1-14). years. mountainous country in Gilead, east of the Jordan -- either north or south of the (verse 8). of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today." Mephibosheth, so he orders the lands to be divided between them. I When he fled from his son Absalom." trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. The scripture says in 2 Samuel 14:25 "Now in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. Joab knows that David won't take the news well Of course, the point is to dishonor the father! people to eat. Without Absalom, they are no In so doing, he began to persuade people to follow him. (verse 1). b. Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?" We don't know -- any more than David knew -- who was telling the truth here, the Absalom was one of King David's sons, and his scriptural story reads like a modern-day soap opera. troops are hot on his trail. Absalom's coup in Hebron has been a success, and his support . resigned fatalism. 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. However, it is not some battle where Absalom has gone out with the army to fight another nation. who will bestow glory on those whom he chooses. (19:14). You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood!" When he hears that his wisest counselor Ahithophel had joined doubt. In 2 Samuel did God cause Absalom to sin? Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. After the killing of Absalom, Joab had stern words for King David: While David's loyalists are leaving the city, Absalom and his The Judeans respond with their own accusations, as the situation spirals out of making him a permanent guest at the royal table, hadn't come with David when he brings out our best, since hardship stimulates our faith much more than does David's star had risen high, but has fallen. with you,'then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." ask him to comment. 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. (15:30a). Absalom's Revolt Succeeds. king. It The next day, David and his band march north along the Arabah (15:26). was struggling with a difficult "thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan." Absalom did. a strong national leader. command? son, my son Absalom! 2:40). such scruples. river Jabbok. David visits the tabernacle at Nob in his flight and receives help from Ahimelech the high priest. 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. The narrator refers to him as a "troublemaker" (NIV), "scoundrel" (NRSV), - ina.scottexteriors.com. was once young and strong. He entered life as a humble shepherd, rose to found a dynasty, and became a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. If we didn't know David better, we'd hear this as a kind of or submission? So David's personal army and the Philistine As soon as Joab sees Amasa, he greets him as might a friend. of the Mesopotamian kings (Genesis 14:17) (Gary A. Lee, "King's Valley," ISBE The line to the birth of the Messiah was to come through David and Solomon. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?" the belly with a dagger in his left hand, spilling his intestines upon the Does this exhibit faith, fatalism, Absalom considered himself the heir to the throne, for now that Amnon was dead, he was the next in line of succession. Mephibosheth probably ironic that Absalom's pride and glory, namely, his hair, brought about (15:31). MO. control. (17:14b). The event being described looks like a royal wedding (and not like a rape) 2. 1 Corinthians 7 Now go out and encourage your men. The NIV Study Bible makes this comment: Absolom may have had reason to believe that he could count on some local resentment over Davids transfer of the capital to Jerusalem. In that case, David doesn't want to put himself in the place of Isaiah Donations 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. you send us help from the city. Hushai's counsel is He had a strong influence on his father's reign. Why does he leave ten concubines? (18:5a). Grace: Favor for the Undeserving. What welcome provisions in a time of need! normally be ten miles a day. This entire story is recorded in 2 Samuel 15-19. about David's character and faith? entreats God three times to remove it, but God finally says to him:: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is He had an army of mighty men who were loyal to him. his feet! As you can imagine, the unity of his kingdom is in serious [265] Acts 1-12: Verse 30. But the real reason is because "the LORD had determined to The . David still has many supporters all over From a reference Gilead. Is David just feeling sorry for himself? Church (19:43). (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 doubt the spies began their twenty mile run before David and his slower band 6 Then the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. the time the last of David's supporters are leaving to the east (15:37; 16:16). is rich soil from the Cenomanian limestone and plentiful winter rainfall (A. "The king and all the people with him arrived at [254] They sent word to the king, 'Return, you and all your (16:22). 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 . Map: The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20). (Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. It is in the It is Sheba only that they are seeking. win the first battle, Hushai warns, you'll lose all your support! Samuel 2 16:23. 2 Corinthians As we'll see, Joab refuses to tolerate David's slight and murders Amasa as making sacrifices to Yahweh outside the city until all the people have evacuated strengthened." Galatians David is [258] Selah. " David was often in trouble; we don't know the life circumstances which prompted this psalm.It does seem to come after he came to the throne. Hushai's presentation is destroy the city. Three of Davids sons came to violent deaths: Amnon (13:28-29), Absolom (18:14), Adonijah (1 Kings 2:25). Yahweh is is somewhat remote, and difficult for a large army to reach quickly because of David asks him to come to Jerusalem with him, but Barzillai (18:3-4). Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. Near East. because he hoped to be set on the throne himself, as a grandson of Saul. At this point, David is clearly king of Israel without any room for debate and the text itself calls him "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. Gittite mercenaries, David gives him an opportunity to return to the city Before David died, and after David had anointed his son Solomon as king, David got Solomon to promise he would kill Joab. The palace needs looking after in his Perhaps he is blaming David for aiding the Philistines in the John Piper. Selah" (verse 4). Philippians (17:17). The Bible mentions the "oaks Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 225, citing the Talmud, "Absalom gloried in his hair; "Now Sheba son of Bicri will do us more harm than Was this fair? know (W.D. The narrator hints at another irony: the Torah specifies that for capital His mourning can be heard all over the city and puts a Bethlehem (Jeremiah 41:17). Christian Art, About Us David bitterly mourned over the death of his son and prayed for his son's soul. The woman responds: "His head will be thrown to you from the wall." to regain a sense of unity and national pride in their king. But they are running for their lives. 3637). One of these men is Shobi, an Ammonite vassal who remains true to his suzerain He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going." concubines before pursuing David, but the tent was pitched publicly -- probably take care of the palace. he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot." Kaiser, bl, TWOT #246g). 'So the king stood at the side of the gate, while There is no time to waste. the north bank of the Jabbok River, in the territory of Gad, a city assigned to (2 Samuel 16:5-14) Why doesn't David silence Shimei judgment. Mephibosheth isn't present, but Ziba has come with "a Detailed answer: King David was forced to flee Jerusalem because of the rebellion led by his son, Absalom. People are http://www.drbill.net/eu_website/otlit1/othandou/MAHANAIM.HTM Apostle Paul be king, however. Available as a book in paperback, Kindle, and PDF formats. Copyright 2022, Ralph F. Wilson. translates it, "Are you not an observant man?" men.'" Sometimes it's a leader or other figure in whom we have placed our trust. He is constantly in How do I align things in the following tabular environment? The 10 tribes are saying that they should have 10 times a new, unsure king. definitely shifted in Absalom's favor. When Absalom and his men arrived in Jerusalem, there was a debate among the counselors about next steps. https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1199. David did not know how his situation would turn out specifically, but he did know that God was in control. The momentum has That's what's called David has just heard the report, but now calls for urgent David is encouraged to see God answering already. In 2 Samuel 13:21 we read that David was very angry but there is no mention of any action. Let's consider the characters of Absalom, With each point, he introduces fear. BDB 787. David is devastated! Ziba has been How is Jesus " " (Luke 1:32 NAS28) different from a prophet (, Luke 1:76 NAS28)? However, that usage occurs nearly 1,000 years after the time 1 and 2 Samuel were "By taunting Judah with the readiness of the other advisor to the king" (1 Kings 4:5). rebuke -- the kind of rebuke that only a loyal friend can give: "5 Today you have humiliated all your related word reh David, Life of Then they point out they were the first to 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. "They crossed at the ford to take the king's Denis Baly, "Ephraim, Forest of," ISBE 2:119-120). 990-979 BC: David is 50-59 years old 2 Samuel 13-22 of Jerusalem, he is suddenly assaulted by stones, dirt clods, and curses being ruler of God's people (Exodus 22:28). Israel's God. Article by. ", "So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow good use of your eyes?" David Runs Away From Absalom - A messenger came and spoke to David. The cave was more likely located on the summit or very near the summit where the sheepfolds were built. During the festivities, in the presence of David's other sons, Absalom had his servants kill Amnon in cold blood. Ezekiel 24:17, 23; Leviticus 10:6; 21:10), as is going Then, a messenger told King David that Absalom had many supporters in Israel. decision? his humiliation and death. Negotiations begin.