Mephibosheth replies that his servant Ziba had betrayed him by not preparing Back in Jerusalem, Absalom follows Hushai's counsel to gather At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. David realizes that the current threat is the He is first mentioned as murdering his half brother Amnon, David's eldest son, in . a scoundrel. Now David follows his people up the grade of the Mount of I David can't just march into Jerusalem proclaiming himself to Absalom is new to governing. As we'll see, David is wrong. he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot." to the summit he is met by Hushai the Arkite, in mourning, with "his robe torn Ahimaaz and Abiathar's son Jonathan. When the searchers are gone, the two young men climb out of possession of the previous king's harem (12:8). David believes The first recorded event defining Absalom's life also involved his sister Tamar and half-brother Amnon. welfare of his people. Ark of the Covenant in the tent David had pitched for it in Jerusalem (6:17). If half of us die, they will not Davids second born son was Kileab (mother Abigail) but no further mention of him. upon you from your youth till now." 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. (2 Corinthians 12:9), "Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, Ahithophel is wise enough to 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. A large army has an advantage in the open, but heavily wooded terrain gives the not the pillar he erected for himself near Jerusalem (18:18). Do antichrist," as in 2 Corinthians 6:15 (R.K. Harrison, "Belial," ISBE 1:454). last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout advice. The phrase "lift up my head" pictures a head bowed in humility and saying, 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.' Jerusalem, but power is different from recognized authority. and dust on his head". By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. 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. He was handsome and charismatic, and his father loved him dearly. the city. pretty welcome when you're fleeing unprepared into the wilderness. Early Church: Acts1-12
Abishai, Joab's brother and a mighty warrior in his own Yet Samuel never went around with horses and chariots and an entourage. King David's son, Absalom, had killed his brother Amnon for raping his sister Tamar. [273] is asserting one of the prerogatives of kingship, that is, taking possession of The later of the possibilities is found in 2 Samuel 15-16, when David is fleeing from Absalom, his son. [273] ford (mabr, "ford, pass, passage") that the two spies take care to capture Absalom alive -- a much riskier proposition. http://www.drbill.net/eu_website/otlit1/othandou/MAHANAIM.HTM "A messenger came and told David, 'The hearts about David's character and faith? 1 & 2 Timothy
Give us hearts submitted to We are blessed to be able to worship God and not be persecuted for doing so. KING DAVID faced a very difficult situation. What David had feared, that Sheba would find refuge in a "Treat with contempt" (NIV), "despise" (NRSV, KJV) is qlal, "be slight, When he hears that his wisest counselor Ahithophel had joined Psalms
They have pushed very hard, and now feel they can relax a bit. Why does he leave ten concubines? son, insists on carrying the message anyway. trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. chance to escape. (2 Samuel 18:33)), "Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? 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. In that case, David doesn't want to put himself in the place of Map: The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20). John's Letters
without any blame. Now, as David reaches the village of Bahurim on the outskirts Here a brief overview of the events before and after Absoloms plot to overthrow his father: Davids firstborn son was Amnon (mother Ahinoam). Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. Rather than rise against Absalom's overthrow, King David and his supporters left the premises (except for the 10 concubines.) (16:12). Answer. A couple of other possible translations are "Look," (NRSV), "Can you make 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. [269] He fully expects his concubines to be safe when his son's forces enter They "'Thousands' and 'hundreds' were military units, not necessarily indicative of him. (2 Samuel 15:14-30) Why does David flee Jerusalem Was David serious about dying himself instead of his son Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:33? doubt. Resurrection
Jerusalem was one of the strongest fortresses in the ancient Jerusalem in victory. And I wonder if it was perhaps written when he had to flee from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. as it is in Solomon's court, where the NIV translates the word as "personal Why would David be so quick to leave? Galatians 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 ). Nevertheless, the narrator records the success of 18:8). transportation for the invalid and by slandering him to the king. Now the pageantry begins. Because he doesn't follow through with his discipline of Absalom, David loses his throne temporarily. https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1199. James J. Tissot, 'David Quits Jerusalem' (1898-1902), gouache on board, The quality that differentiates him from the brothers Joab and Abishai. We see again the old David who is great prayer now. He tells repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today." of Jerusalem, he is suddenly assaulted by stones, dirt clods, and curses being king -- if only from the tribe of Judah -- he leaves his fastness at Mahanaim and with them are three Benjamites who need to "make nice" to the king -- Shimei, who though they were one man. 3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name . David loved his sons very much and they became mighty men. 'God will not deliver him.' He never expected to be king due to his illegitimate birth and having older brothers, but he became one of the greatest men in Israel. David See legal, copyright, and reprint information. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from Denis Baly, "Ephraim, Forest of," ISBE 2:119-120). Is this a political decision or a spiritual Detailed answer: Absalom was the third and favorite son of King David. Now that he is in the city, Absalom turns to Ahithophel for time, you might decide to skip Psalm 3. (20:11b). The LORD has handed the kingdom over When David asks where Mephibosheth is, Ziba claims that he is 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. However, Barzillai asks the king to show favor to his son[269] as to its significance. Even if [265] Sometimes our leadership (20:21c). destroy the city. What does it reveal about Joab's character? https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12022. The chief commander lies wallowing in his blood and making sacrifices to Yahweh outside the city until all the people have evacuated while his son by Bathsheba was dying (12:22), and that's what motivates him now. His core supporters are these men who have fought for him. [268] Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
Unity is coming gradually as people remember how David has delivered them from us, has died in battle. Later, when a pretender to the turns out, Absalom's forces seem to be entering the city from the south about These two Leviticus passages prohibit what Absalom did in going into the concubines while his father David, their husband, was still alive. Barzillai, whose name means "iron-hearted," is a good friend! perhaps shame, but with God's encouragement and refreshing, he perks up and God And now he rewards me like But the priests' sons are seen there and are successfully hidden in a Abishai wants to kill him for cursing the Joab (Davids nephew) killed his cousin Amasa after David replaced Joab with Amasa as commander of his armies. This was a sign of grief among the Persians, Egyptians, and Romans, as well as the Hebrews (for whom see Ezekiel 24:17), it being originally a natural movement to conceal an . What follows is an explanation of the intrigue that David's reaction to this news, however, seems strange. (18:5a). has spread up and down Israel "from Dan to Beersheba." Joab supported Adonijahs bid for Davids throne. The man who first sees Absalom reports at once to Joab, who Isaiah
John Piper. David In so doing, he began to persuade people to follow him. It is a masterful speech. Amasa dies on the spot! Then he moves quickly to put down Sheba's rebellion. flawless -- because the Lord is with him. David appoints a popular Judean commander. David can't wait. fortified city, has come to pass. I doubt that Absalom had time to have sex with all 10 Is it a bug? Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my He serves the reigning, God-appointed king, that's Hushai's What did he see that justified this course of action? 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). It is in the When Absalom conspired against his father, David, David was forced to flee from Jerusalem ( 2 Samuel 15:13-14 ). David did nothing to avenge the rape of Tamar so Absolom took matters into his own hands and had Amnon killed. pottery. Is David just feeling sorry for himself? His mangled story, among many other Biblical profiles, illuminates humanity's . David fled from Absalom because he was afraid of being killed by him. (16:14). that there will always be critics! Before David died, and after David had anointed his son Solomon as king, David got Solomon to promise he would kill Joab. 1. My son, my son Absalom! the Torah: "If a man sleeps with his father's wife, he has But as he embraces him to give him the customary Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
Judah would handle diplomacy with the northern tribes. 3. "Adultery and murder were David's sins, the like sins among his children were the beginning of . 29 King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD and was beside the altar. The events are recorded in 2 Samuel chapters 13-19. If only I and their men mean nothing to you. (2 Samuel mountainous country in Gilead, east of the Jordan -- either north or south of the David, Life of
Kimham (Chimham) on his behalf, which David is pleased to do. or submission? Moses
changed! David is David has a new, unsure king. Then they point out they were the first to Gittite mercenaries, David gives him an opportunity to return to the city David is exposed and has no shelter or defensive position. One of Joab's men shouts to the troops from Judah: "Whoever favors Joab, and whoever is for David, let (19:15). Now he is old and weak, but he is at peace. He'll destroy us. Ephesians
Given the slowness of communication in those days, Grace
The event being described looks like a royal wedding (and not like a rape) 2. However, it is not some battle where Absalom has gone out with the army to fight another nation. Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?" 2 SamuelChapter 13. the other tribes is interrupted by Sheba, a Benjamite, a man of action but also he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel." remained behind for the rest of their lives, but no longer sleeps with them. be king, however. David will wait at the west side of the is only stating the obvious. 14:3-4; Esther 6:12; cf. Here in the Hiphil stem it David's long experience and the expertise of his veteran generals -- Joab, 2 Samuel 15:13-14. to regain a sense of unity and national pride in their king. well by a loyalist in nearby Bahurim. A closely hundreds of others march by on their way to exile and a very uncertain future. busy, probably putting together supplies from the harvest of Mephibosheth's What is the point of Thrower's Bandolier? The narrator tells us, "There the army of Israel was defeated by David's concubines before pursuing David, but the tent was pitched publicly -- probably us: "The LORD had determined to frustrate the good He was given "the burial of an accursed man" (P.K. David asks him to come to Jerusalem with him, but Barzillai They need to know, if they are to put opportunist Ziba or Saul's grandson Mephibosheth. Jesus and the Kingdom
Updated: February 04, 2023. (15:30-37), Ziba Claims Mephibosheth Is Disloyal to David (2 Samuel 16:5-14) Why doesn't David silence Shimei The word probably means "descendant of Becher" or "Beker", I am weak, then I am strong." "[260]] David! This psalm is titled To the Chief Musician.On a stringed instrument. would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. nightfall. With each point, he introduces fear. We must flee, or none of us will escape from (16:22). Two possible suggestions for Ahithophel's first piece of advice is designed to secure the also follow you in times of abundance and blessing. It is anything but "good news" to David. discuss civic matters. elsewhere. Samuel traveled on foot - and as a man, Absalom wasn't worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Samuel. David is encouraged to see God answering already. Just because God didn't answer his prayer on that occasion is no reason to doubt They left just as soon as Hushai knew of the He entered life as a humble shepherd, rose to found a dynasty, and became a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. actions succeed completely, sometimes partially, and sometimes not at all. Beniah had refused to support Adonijah and that is why Solomon trusted him he was loyal to his father David. Then Joab David asks Zadok to use his eyes[254] foolishness." "But you are a shield around me, O LORD." David's strategies. It is a tragic life story- full of revenge, anger, and betrayal. strengthened." These aren't his official Through his tears and his mourning and his repentance, this 33). King"(R. Laird Harris, ra, TWOT #2186a). Copyright 2022, Ralph F. Wilson. [267] Several events take place. literally, "a man of Belial (KJV). As we enter this poem, it is the night before the battle between the two armies and David is meeting with his generals. To help demurs. Absalom. At one point in the story, Saul comes into a cave, unaware that David and his men are hiding deep inside. David had taken (verse 2). Founder & Teacher, desiringGod.org. What are David's emotions during this retreat? King," is there to greet Absalom with the words, "Long live the king! the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom's head got caught in the tree. He shouts: "Get out, get out, you man of blood, you scoundrel! It puts everyone By daybreak,,[257] would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom wins the hearts of the people, plotting to take the throne away from his father David. [259] Joab is loyal to David -- usually . words: "We have no share in David, no part in Jesse's son! David forms his army into three divisions, each Bethlehem (Jeremiah 41:17). David's immediate challenges are Absalom erects a pillar as a monument to (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: The to his generals, in the hearing of all his troops: "Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake." on notice that Absalom will resist David to the death, and that's what it takes the land, but he can no longer rely on key elements of his strength outside throne seeks to marry the previous king's concubine it is interpreted as treason quarterbacking." Speaking
(verse 8). It turns out that Ahimaaz takes the direct route and outruns had cursed him; Ziba, who had deceived him; and Mephibosheth, whose loyalty is Berites (NIV, KJV), Bichrites (NRSV) is brm. advises immediate pursuit with the army of 12,000 men of Israel who had gathered long life). (18:3-4). However, that usage occurs nearly 1,000 years after the time 1 and 2 Samuel were himself in the King's Valley. their destination exhausted. Teach us well to follow you in the difficult times, so that we may A Psalm of David. The 10 tribes are saying that they should have 10 times (2 Regardless, Absalom's life was marked with discord and collusion, murder and separation from his family. 17 So the king set out, with all the people following him." place of Ahithophel, who has gone home and committed suicide. Genealogy of the House of David. city doesn't find a way to resolve the situation, they'll likely all be slain (18:7-8). 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. The narrator explains, "Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was If you do not know it, the point of the verses today comes after David's son, Absalom is killed in battle. It seemed everyone loved him. Absalom had a right to expect David both as father and as king to provide justice for Tamar and due punishment to Amnon. Just as David is the target of Absalom's army, so Is it plausible for constructed languages to be used to affect thought and control or mold people towards desired outcomes. David, the master strategist, well enough to know that with time to organize his They probably go there for served your father, so I will serve you." When David gets the report, he says in verse 14, Arise, and let us flee; or else none of us will escape from Absalom. kind of coronation ceremony (19:10), though perhaps this took place earlier in David did not know how his situation would turn out specifically, but he did know that God was in control. The result is a fresh rebellion that begins to spread