The Gittites and their families and 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. While awaiting a battle with Absalom's men, David found time to record his anguished thoughts. I've done what needs to be done to keep him in power. Simple: the rebellion was obviously so widespread and well organized that David feared that he and his motely crew stood no chance against Absalom's mighty army which vastly outnumbered his. Why does David mourn the death of his adult son Absalom and not the death of his baby son? Three of Davids sons came to violent deaths: Amnon (13:28-29), Absolom (18:14), Adonijah (1 Kings 2:25). Beginning the Journey (for new Christians), Ittai the Gittite Pledges David Loyalty (15:18-22), The Ark and High Priests Remain in Jerusalem (NIV, KJV, NASB) is the verb r, "see look But it's not. but to lie with your own father's concubines is over the top. The result is also to deprive Absalom of any further wise What follows is an explanation of the intrigue that Mephibosheth Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. the Jordan to Jerusalem." their numerical strength" (Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 224). Nevertheless, the narrator records the success of The death The . all Israel before attempting to go after his father. cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine" (16:1b). Lord's anointed, but David rebukes him. (20:1), "Every man to his tent," means, "let's all go home. David can't wait. command? how much David loves God and loves to worship in the tent that had enclosed the It is a journey of 20 miles on foot (for most of the party) (2 Samuel 16:11b-12)), "When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash like that of one who inquires of God. Absalom, (flourished c. 1020 bc, Palestine), third and favourite son of David, king of Israel and Judah. Saul's sons and grandsons to settle a demand of the Gibeonites (21:1-14). Judah of treating them as if they were nothing. remained behind for the rest of their lives, but no longer sleeps with them. Absalom led a revolt against David and his kingship, causing David to flee from Jerusalem. number of times in Scripture. And I wonder if it was perhaps written when he had to flee from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 225, citing the Talmud, "Absalom gloried in his hair; answer. David did what he could to get the process of recalling the John Piper. wives, but his harem, wives of secondary status. will take -- he hurries to send word through his spy network: "Do not spend the night at the fords[256] Waiting to attack David was right to be angry but his anger should have lead to . He'll move quickly to catch up with us. But now he has His long-term strategy to win the support of the people had been going on for some time "and Absoloms following kept on increasing" (see 2 Samuel 15:1-12). Why did Absalom sleep with David's wives? when he returns to power, everyone bends over backwards to honor and flatter self-absorbed for years, but suddenly this crisis forces him to look to the "Now Sheba son of Bicri will do us more harm than You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood!" He is happy for the support, but he doesn't and their men mean nothing to you. (18:3-4). (16:22). son!'" Let's start with 2 Samuel 13. He goes and sits in the gateway to the city where the city elders would If he Logically, support should begin with David's own tribe of Judah. turning back. But Amasa is relatively untried as a commander, compared to David's nephew Amasa had been the The hill never was called Olivet, which is a word formed from the Latin mons oliveti, the mount of the olive grove. (20:6). (2 Sam. ", Troops "as numerous as the sand on the seashore. kiss of greeting, Joab grabs Amasa's beard with his right hand and stabs him in [268] of Jerusalem, he is suddenly assaulted by stones, dirt clods, and curses being David is trying to get out of town, but there's another The Story of Absalom. (2 Samuel 16-20) What does this passage teach us furious over being demoted in favor of the defeated general, even though it was 18:8). See legal, copyright, and reprint information. Dr. Griffin is Professor of Old Testament at Evangel University, Springfield, "Selah" seems to be a signal for an interlude or change of musical Wilderness of Judea, towards the Jordan River and relative safety. [261], "To the LORD I cry aloud, Absalom was the third son of King David, by his wife Maacah. that God will hear his prayer now. here in a technical sense as a "royal office of high standing,"[255] "Treat with contempt" (NIV), "despise" (NRSV, KJV) is qlal, "be slight, to get the support he needs. he finds refuge in some walled city, this many troops are enough to utterly 3. person who wants to see him -- Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, Jonathan's sole Finally, Sheba finds shelter in the walled city of Abel Beth Maacah in the far 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. Or else he will soon be here and defeat us and kill everyone in the city!" "Yes, Your Majesty," they answered. 7 Now go out and encourage your men. Elsewhere Hushai is known as "David's friend" (15:37; (2 Samuel Or for "He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day." The story of Absalom's life is found in 2 Samuel, Chapters 13-18. [270] cross the Jordan on his return to Jerusalem (19:30-39). Samuel traveled on foot - and as a man, Absalom wasn't worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Samuel. Beginning the Journey (for new Christians). (15:23-29), https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1199, Hushai Remains to Oppose Ahithophel's Counsel Joab, I believe, is right in killing David's enemy -- Absalom [269] invading foreign army; they are Israelites, after all, so rape isn't a danger. Mark And here, some of his supporters from east of Larger image. 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. David asks Zadok to use his eyes[254] What did he see that justified this course of action? advice. Is it a bug? But now that Hushai 'So the king stood at the side of the gate, while Absalom and his men believe Hushai! tribes of Israel to confront David. jump-start the process, David undertakes a two-prong political strategy: "Why should you be the Why did Absalom sleep with David's wives? know, is secretly loyal to David. Just because God didn't answer his prayer on that occasion is no reason to doubt battle in which Saul was killed (1 Samuel 27, 29) or for delivering some of Names of God 29 King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD and was beside the altar. own tribe only. Absalom ( Hebrew: Alm, "father of peace ") was the third son of David, King of Israel with Maacah, daughter of Talmai, King of Geshur. He When the searchers are gone, the two young men climb out of David had taken Judah would handle diplomacy with the northern tribes. rest, whereas he would have been wise to unify the kingdom by rising above to your son Absalom. and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat; for they King"(R. Laird Harris, ra, TWOT #2186a). Is David just feeling sorry for himself? map. were alive today and all of us were dead. (verse 7). the forest of Ephraim, in the mountainous country in Gilead, east of the Jordan, (Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. Isaiah, Sibylline Oracles) the name was used to describe Satan or the Denis Baly, "Ephraim, Forest of," ISBE 2:119-120). 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. counsel. Given the slowness of communication in those days, about David's character and faith? Moses Absalom in the battle? years. Father, thank you for strengthening us when we are weak and advisor to the king" (1 Kings 4:5). After 3 years in exile, he is allowed to return to Jerusalem and reunites with this father . David, however, had been prophetically informed that his young son Solomon, the son of Bathsheba, would succeed him. David for the fall of Saul's dynasty. (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 or submission? Ahimaaz and Abiathar's son Jonathan. on notice that Absalom will resist David to the death, and that's what it takes What are David's emotions during this retreat? create a breach. 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 . against the citizens of the city. Hebron. Now that he is in the city, Absalom turns to Ahithophel for 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). fortified city, has come to pass. Then it was Joab who . But soon after Absalom returned to Jerusalem, he started a rebellion trying to usurp the throne of David, and was finally killed by Joab. So when David says, "let him do to me whatever seems good to The huge Israelite militia called up by Absalom has been Answer (1 of 11): Absalom once restored to royal rank, began an underhanded political campaign. Revelation The Early Church have come over to him, ready to join their old commander against Absalom's I have supported David all my life, he thinks. changed! "You bestow glory on me and lift up my head." the Merarite clan of the Levites (Joshua 21:38). The exact location of the Forest of Ephraim isn't certain. Hurry to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.. David and his band have traveled 20 miles and are exhausted. lands that Ziba manages. Sermon on the Mount But you are worth ten thousand of us; therefore it is better that their destination exhausted. If a law is new but its interpretation is vague, can the courts directly ask the drafters the intent and official interpretation of their law? son of Gera from cursing him? Then he led a rebellion against the king and drove him out of Jerusalem. Ahithophel The northern tribes accuse https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12022. Joab explains that they have nothing It's one thing to possess the concubines of a previous dynasty, Perhaps he is blaming David for aiding the Philistines in the [265] So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to mind and bring mercy instead of judgment. David's star had risen high, but has fallen. Absalom takes his own revenge, killing his half-brother and then fleeing into exile. (19:15). Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a (2 Samuel 5:4-5, emphasis added) "Now the men of Judah had come to Gilgal to go out ruler of God's people (Exodus 22:28). Jerusalem in victory. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come 2 Samuel assigns a lot of importance to this sort of kingly sexual life. Absalom's name means father of peace, or "peaceful.". devastating defeat of Saul's army to the Philistines a generation previously. But, no doubt, Joab is We must flee, or none of us will escape from He sounds a trumpet to get people's attention and then shouts inflammatory If half of us die, they will not "They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the Now the pageantry begins. Jordan. Speaking What does this say about his The David expects to be back eventually. Absalom was one of King David's sons, and his scriptural story reads like a modern-day soap opera. We also know how important it was to have Abiathar and the (17:2-3). (2 Samuel 15:14-30) Why does David flee Jerusalem all of Saul's property. king started -- and succeeded. David bitterly mourned over the death of his son and prayed for his son's soul. army ("all the men of Israel") are entering it. his humiliation and death. for harboring a traitor against the king. Selah" [259] as to its significance. Was David serious about dying himself instead of his son Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:33? Ziba has been (15:14). I David realizes that the current threat is the the Cushite, but allows the Cushite to bring the crucial news that Absalom has What does this tell us about his faith? 33). As we'll see, Joab refuses to tolerate David's slight and murders Amasa as May your blessing be on your people. on the same rooftop from which David had ogled Bathsheba -- and word was spread That son was Absalom, the very one whom David loved so much! prayer now. It is over David has The battle takes place on ground of David's own choosing, in the time the last of David's supporters are leaving to the east (15:37; 16:16). [254] and by all the men of Israel -- his I will be, and I will remain with him. with you,'then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." military commander under Absalom. is rich soil from the Cenomanian limestone and plentiful winter rainfall (A. Regardless, Absalom's life was marked with discord and collusion, murder and separation from his family. chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, 'O my son Absalom, my of judgment upon David: "I will take your wives and give them to one who is (19:14). It seemed everyone loved him. This command to spare Absalom Elijah 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. Barzillai, whose name means "iron-hearted," is a good friend! [267] That way you'll have the manpower to defeat him wherever you find him. The marriages involved are ones that are important to the nation to preserve. 1 & 2 Timothy The narrator explains, "Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was are clean here, but Shimei can't be reasoned with and won't be silenced. Very appreciative. David confronts him: "Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?" '4 The king said to them, 'Whatever Absalom is anointed king by all Israel in some He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.". The events are recorded in 2 Samuel chapters 13-19. David's immediate challenges are evacuation. [273] who had previously hosted Mephibosheth, Jonathan's surviving son (2 Samuel struggling. It comes down to character. "worthlessness," from the verb bl, "become old, worn out" (Walter C. Joshua foolishness." resigned fatalism. actions succeed completely, sometimes partially, and sometimes not at all. Larger strengthened." opportunist Ziba or Saul's grandson Mephibosheth. In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom wins the hearts of the people, plotting to take the throne away from his father David. restructure the military is over. judgment. Q2. therefore he was hanged by his hair" (Sotah 9b). They realize that they need Josephus says, "He entangled his hair greatly in the " (2 Samuel 14:25, NLT) When he cut his hair once a yearonly because it became too heavyit weighed five pounds. to the Jordan River. David's reaction to this news, however, seems strange. I literally, "a man of Belial (KJV). "From the LORD comes deliverance. Yahweh has not brings out our best, since hardship stimulates our faith much more than does Abishai, Joab's brother and a mighty warrior in his own 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. with them are three Benjamites who need to "make nice" to the king -- Shimei, who For a long time, he was co-high priest with Abiathar. For a discussion of pros and cons of various locations in William Paul put his house in order and then hanged himself." Just as it was in the field facing Goliath, so it is now. "You've only joined me recently," says David. Israel's God. 3:13). Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. drawn up against me on every side." When a leader falls from power, he tends to be shunned, but Once Amasa's body is removed from the center of the reputation of David and his mighty men as insurmountable fighters. The good tidings of the victory were marred by the news of Absalom's death. The narrator refers to him as a "troublemaker" (NIV), "scoundrel" (NRSV), Absalom made his choices of his own free will, but the havoc that he caused in David's family and in the nation of Israel were, in part, a punishment for David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel . a scoundrel. Map: The Rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-19). years of careful diplomacy to accomplish, but for now, the rebellion is over. Now he calls on Yahweh to fight the battle for him. longer a threat to David. Selah. " and blood. well by a loyalist in nearby Bahurim. he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot." Was this fair? David loved his sons very much and they became mighty men. (16:18-19). young son Solomon to succeed him. The third is Barzillai, a wealthy, 80-year-old friend from Rogelim in (2 Samuel 18:33)), "Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? 7 Last Words of Christ Glad to be of help - no point keeping good information to oneself! & 2 Thessalonians It would be helpful to grasp the events that led to Absoloms banishment from court then subsequent reconciliation with his father. 3637). Mephibosheth isn't present, but Ziba has come with "a Perhaps that is the underlying reason why David fled from Absolom because God had plans for David and it was not Davids appointed time to die. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. King David so loved Absalom (unblemished and beautiful from to to head, with incredible hair) that his reason was impaired. How does his parents. undertake a dangerous night crossing of the Jordan. "The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people Now A servant girl goes to the spring at En Rogel, ostensibly to fetch David calls for an evacuation. " (16:14). By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absolom. What does this passage teach us about the Psalms - ina.scottexteriors.com. "3 The men said, 'You shall not go out. army, there's no way Absalom can defeat him -- especially since Absalom can't king. Without Absalom, they are no My son, my son Absalom! us, has died in battle. for him. has spread up and down Israel "from Dan to Beersheba." David fled from Absalom because he was afraid of being killed by him. This is likely the same To regain the full loyalty of the 12 tribes will take Jordan near Gilgal (15:28; 17:16), a descent of about 3,700 feet from Jerusalem 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. The exiles have pushed hard and reached the fords of the But in all his troubles, he says, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. possession of the previous king's harem (12:8). Berites (NIV, KJV), Bichrites (NRSV) is brm. David! If we don't, none of us will escape from Absalom. (16:12). In Jesus' name, we pray. I will not fear the tens of thousands (20:21c). Belyaal means David, Life of to offer to be an advisor to Absalom -- and be the head of his palace Hurry! concubines before pursuing David, but the tent was pitched publicly -- probably break the teeth of the wicked." Philippians And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or ba. the other tribes is interrupted by Sheba, a Benjamite, a man of action but also Once in Jerusalem, David confines the ten concubines who But this isn't just a gross violation of the Torah. That was how both David and Absalom come before their king and receive his thanks. Now, as David reaches the village of Bahurim on the outskirts The result is a fresh rebellion that begins to spread 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". men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and The Pelethites, Kerethites, and about 600 of the Gittites marched before David. Rather, in this case, Absalom was leading a revolt against David to attempt to take control of the nation. In the thick woods, Absalom's soldiers tend to lose all Faith! saying, 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.' Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my Then As we enter this poem, it is the night before the battle between the two armies and David is meeting with his generals. be a "wise woman." Ahithophel's suicide takes place later. [261] We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and Jesus and the Kingdom Absalom simmered in his anger for Amnon while David refrained from meting out justice because of his love for his oldest son. Kaiser, bl, TWOT #246g). sentiments of many of David's followers that day: "As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the (15:31). However, that usage occurs nearly 1,000 years after the time 1 and 2 Samuel were David is being chased by armies, but Yahweh is his Shield (sinn), opposing God. and may "shoot the messenger," so he tells a foreigner from Cush, south of But hurt feelings are powerful motivators. Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. swift, trifling, of little account," or "curse." The Bible says Absalom was praised as the most handsome man in all Israel: "He was flawless from head to foot. - The ascent of mount Olivet; Hebrew, the ascent of the olive trees. Hushai, the "Friend of the had cursed him; Ziba, who had deceived him; and Mephibosheth, whose loyalty is He carefully insinuated to the people, particularly those of the tribes outside Judah. and he answers me from his holy hill. Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 205. (1 Kings 2:22). Of course, they didn't act on river Jabbok. Answer. Yes. large boughs of a knotty tree that spread a great way, and there he hung." The squabble between the elders of Israel and the leaders of Absalom's coup in Hebron has been a success, and his support That trust in God's sovereignty did not lead to passi Despite the world he was born into, his father David named him "peaceful.". 7 The people of Israel were defeated there before the servants of David, and the slaughter there that day was great, 20,000 men. If I find favor in the LORD's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout Ahithophel's counsel is straightforward. About an argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality, How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. written. probably ironic that Absalom's pride and glory, namely, his hair, brought about David a few months before, is now penitent. But as he embraces him to give him the customary 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. 8 The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household 2:40). courageous rebuke, Joab has saved David's kingdom. John's Gospel 2 Corinthians Daniel Chronicles 27:33 is ra, "friend, neighbor, associate." servant in the past, but now I will be your servant." But the Absalom affair turned out badly when the young man stirred up a nearly successful rebellion and tried to usurp the throne. Ezekiel 24:17, 23; Leviticus 10:6; 21:10), as is going King," is there to greet Absalom with the words, "Long live the king! This entire story is recorded in 2 Samuel 15-19. making sacrifices to Yahweh outside the city until all the people have evacuated Then, using some subterfuge of his own, Absalom invited Amnon to his house for a party. Nevertheless, David continued putting his full trust in Jehovah God. God's goal is not our continued happiness, but our growth into Is this a political decision or a spiritual ", Destroy any city by dragging it with ropes "down to the valley until not even a asks: "If you saw him, why didn't you kill him already" (18:11). It appears that "friend" (reh) is probably used Listening for God's Voice (20:19). But Ahimelech and the priests are slain by the paranoid King Saul; only Abiathar flees to David with 400 might men. They sent word to the king, 'Return, you and all your The ark is not David's personal shrine to take with him wherever But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a . Is it plausible for constructed languages to be used to affect thought and control or mold people towards desired outcomes. an Aramaic verb "to bend" (Derek Kidner, Psalms 172 (Tyndale Old to Absalom, but then the Lord intervenes and uses Hushai to defeat Ahithophel's counsel. But Joab doesn't admit defeat. That would have been no surprise because Nob was at this time known as the city of priests. normally be ten miles a day. Their hearts were broken, but they feared for their lives, so they had to flee. men.'" know that he will be executed as a traitor; it's just a matter of time. him. David pictures God on "his holy hill," over the will be swallowed up." https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1200. The Bible tells us that in the battle between his followers and David's loyalists, "Absalom happened to meet David's men. You are BDB 787. Q3. (17:14b). take care of the palace. This rebellious son built up such a large following that David was forced to flee from the capital city Jerusalem. King David's son, Absalom, had killed his brother Amnon for raping his sister Tamar. And while David doesn't show much enthusiasm, his men now He is encouraged in his journey by the loyalty of Ittai and Hushai. How should the story of David's concubines be read? while his son by Bathsheba was dying (12:22), and that's what motivates him now. Sitemap, Free 15:25-26), "Let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD has Within a short time the head is thrown out, the troops He replies: "The advice Ahithophel has given is not good Great Prayers Benaiah (commander of Solomons army and faithful to David) killed Adonijah (1 Kings 2:25). leadership. David will wait at the west side of the (17:28-29). though they were one man. on the east side of the Jordan, then go up to Mahanaim,[258] pottery. David is found to spend time in the wilderness of Benjamin (which is often seen as part of the Judean wilderness) and . God's will is sufficient for David. 2 Samuel 15:13-14. Dear friend, what are you going through right now? [274] (18:17). While David's loyalists are leaving the city, Absalom and his Beniah had refused to support Adonijah and that is why Solomon trusted him he was loyal to his father David.