David's Grief
2 Samuel Chapter 15-18
God told King David that the sword would never depart from the house of David.
Today we will see that the division in the family of David would spread to divide the entire nation of Israel.
How can we best describe Absalom?
Let's let God describe Absalom for us.
Pro 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Pro 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Pro 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Pro 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Absalom had been allowed back into Israel after 2 years by his father but it took 3 more years for King David to allow Absalom to be in his presence and to have some official duties.
There was still no forgiveness and also no punishment for the death of Amnon.
So Absalom set out to destroy his own father.
*****2Sa 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
King David's government had become lax. King David was still the final authority of Israel but his own sin had made him an unworthy judge and he was still ignoring the commandments of God in judging his own family.
King David was losing the respect of the people of Israel.
Many of these things sound so familiar with what we see in America today.
Absalom used this weakness of his father to undermine the throne and seek the heart of the people.
Absalom was determined to be the next King of Israel no matter the cost!
While the King was rarely seen in public, Absalom made a great public showing of his royalty everywhere he went showing that he would soon be king.
Absalom had no more love for his father and he cared not for the things of God.
Absalom was a spoiled rich kid who had now rebelled against his own father.
Absalom had become these very things that God hates the most!
*****2Sa 15:2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
Absalom became as a politician running for office!
Absalom is the first recorded politician in the Bible.
Absalom would say things that he knew would tickle the ears of those who heard him.
Public business was transacted early in the morning. It would be normal for the King or at least his representative to be at the gate of the city early in the morning to hear any petition that required an answer from the king.
King David had been lax in this duty and many things were left undecided.
Absalom would point out to all who listened, that they could see that there was no one available from the king but that could be different if he were king of Israel.
There would be no vote to see who would be the next king, but Absalom sought public opinion even if he had to lie.
*****2Sa 15:3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
2Sa 15:4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
Absalom pointed out that his father was a failure as King of Israel, thinking only of his own self and not justice for the people.
At that time some of these things were true but it is unrealistic to believe that the king could take the time to hear every problem and we already know that King David could still discern between good and evil.
But where King David was a hero, "Absalom was a celebrity" and even today people are swayed by the things that celebrities say even though they have no real knowledge of the truth!
Samuel had warned Israel of the men like Absalom that would come.
1Sa 8:10 And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.
1Sa 8:11 And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
Absalom would say but "if I were king, things would be different".
How many of us have heard all these things?
This is the favorite tactic of the politician even in our day?
*****2Sa 15:5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
2Sa 15:6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
The kiss.
Absalom greeted everyone like they were old friends.
Absalom would find out where they came from and showed concern for their problems.
Absalom would agree with them on their complaints.
Absalom would tell them that surely things should be settled in their favor.
This was gross flattery of the most despicable kind!
Why had all these things happened?
Because King David had placed himself above the Word of God!
What do we see in the world today?
The entire world is rejecting the Word of God!
Who will be the "next one" to come on the scene according to the Word of God?
The Bible says.
Dan 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
How can we best describe Absalom as he appeared to Israel?
Psa 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
Absalom was in this sense a "type" of the Anti-Christ!
We can place Absalom in many "types" in the Bible "but we should not think of him as an abused son for he was not"!
The Bible says.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Absalom did not greet Israel with a holy kiss.
And we need to beware of the politician who greet everyone with a kiss!
Absalom "stole" the hearts of many in Israel.
And again Absalom deceives his father.
*****2Sa 15:7 And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.
Hebron was a city that was the home of much of the history of Israel. Once called Mamre, Hebron had been the home of Abraham and Isaac.
Joshua had reclaimed Hebron from the giants and Hebron became the center of the tribe of Judah.
In many cases the other tribes of Israel had followed Judah throughout Israel's history from the time of Moses.
David had first reigned as king in Hebron.
Absalom needed Hebron and Judah on his side if he were to be king!
It had taken only 4 years for the flatteries of Absalom to divide Israel into two warring sides.
And Absalom set his plan in place.
*****2Sa 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
Athithophel was King David's counsellor because he could quickly discern a good idea from a bad idea and he could separate truth from falsehood but as we will see his loyalties were questionable.
In truth Ahithophel can be considered a "type" of Judas who would sell his services for money.
Only then did King David hear of this conspiracy.
*****2Sa 15:13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
2Sa 15:14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
King David was a man of great personal bravery so why did he flee from Jerusalem?
1) David knew it was because of his own sin that these things were happening.
God had told him that "He would raise up evil out of his own house".
God's Word was being fulfilled right before David's eyes.
2) David had beautified the city of Jerusalem, which he loved very much and he would not see war destroy these things.
King David was not about to bring war to the streets of Jerusalem.
3) David could not bear to shed the blood of the people of Israel. David had grown to love these people!
4) David loved Absalom and David would concede the throne to Absalom before he would be a cause of his death.
We should notice one thing in particular!
Bad leaders, full of immorality, and seeking their own personal agenda, make their governments contemplable to the people!
We need to elect just and pure and godly men into the offices of power, no other traits are as important as these!
Israel was divided by all these things that were happening.
And we know that America is as divided today, almost as much as when we had our own Civil War.
What is important?
It was God who had made David, King of Israel!
And God does as God does!
God had not caused all these things to happen!
These things happened because we live in a sin filled world influenced by Satan.
God just did not stop these things from happening, which He could have but God expects us to come to Him with our problems!
It was David's sin that had caused these things just as it was Adam's sin that had caused the curse on this world we live in!
Fleeing from Jerusalem seemed to be the most logical thing to do to allow King David to better prepare for what had happened so quickly.
We are not promised tomorrow!
In order for things to go well with us, then we need that true relationship with God on a daily basis.
When Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, He teaches us 4 very special things.
1) We must place God's interest before our own personal needs!
2) We must keep our personal needs in the right proportion to our spiritual needs! (Which ever we feed the most)
3) Our relationship with God requires our prayers at least daily!
4) We must trust God for our present needs, not worrying about tomorrow!
We do not read where King David took time to pray on this day.
David fled for his life because he knew he would not fight Absalom.
*****2Sa 15:15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
2Sa 15:16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
2Sa 15:17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
2Sa 15:18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
King David had all his personal body guard who would not leave him and 600 Philistines.
These men would give their lives to protect King David but they were also willing to be obedient to him without question.
David took his entire household except for 10 concubines.
In these times a concubine was considered a lower class of wife and not just some plaything!
But the children from the concubine could not claim any part of the inheritance of their father.
The Church is the "Bride of Christ" but the Church is not the "Concubine of Christ"!
Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
What does God say about the marriage?
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and "they shall be one flesh".
The Church is "one with Christ" and not some plaything nor a concubine!
These 10 women were to keep the palace household goods and furniture in order.
This not the job of the Church.
The Church is to make disciples and keep salvation the main thing!
*****2Sa 15:19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.
Ittai was Philistine who had with him 600 men.
He had no side in this battle and had dedicated himself and his men to the King of Israel.
But, Ittai regarded King David as his master and himself as David's slave.
In "type" Ittai is the "Gentile" who is a slave to Our Master, The Lord Jesus Christ, and we will soon see that he has equal rank among Joab and Abishai the Generals of David's armies.
We are all one in Christ Jesus!
Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
God teaches us that when we show ourselves friendly we can have friends who are closer than a brother.
Ittai was such a friend to King David.
Ittai was exiled from the Philistines and could not go back home.
If Ittai stayed with King David and David failed, he would no longer be welcomed in Israel under Absalom.
Ittai had a lot to lose but he stayed with God's chosen.
And Ittai said.
*****2Sa 15:21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.
Jesus Christ gave us these words:
Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
At this time in his life Ittai was the type of friend that King David needed.
This the type of person that Jesus wants us all to be today!
Our job is to serve those that God chooses for His own purpose!
There are just too many today that try to make Our Lord Jesus Christ a stepping stone to help them get to Heaven.
To them Our Lord is only a convenience to serve their own purpose.
This not what the Lord wants!
The citizens of Heaven will be people who have accepted the Lord Jesus not only as Master, but also as the Only King, and the Creator of this world and of Heaven.
It is the Church who is a stranger and an exile in this world and it is Jesus Christ that we must follow!
If Jesus could fail, then the Church would fail!
We must follow Jesus even if it means our own death!
*****2Sa 15:23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.
2Sa 15:24 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
2Sa 15:25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:
2Sa 15:26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
2Sa 15:27 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
2Sa 15:28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.
2Sa 15:29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
At this time Zadok and Abiather shared the priestly duties and they thought it would be best if the they and the Ark of God went with King David.
David knew that the Ark belonged to the people of God and not just to the ruler of Israel.
The things of God cannot be treated like some good luck charm!
It is God Himself who will defend His Own things!
King David realized that in the time of Eli, the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel, and one of the reasons was that the Ark of God had been taken to the battlefield as some idol or as some good luck charm.
King David knew that the Covenant of God could not be broken no matter who sat on the throne in Israel.
King David also knew, that if he was to return to the throne in Jerusalem it would be by the hand of God.
What is Faith?
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
So, David continues his escape.
*****2Sa 15:30 And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.
2Sa 15:31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
2Sa 15:32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
King David traveled by the way of the Mount of Olives.
King David wept as he ascended up the Mount of Olives and 1000 years later, Jesus Christ wept as He descended from the Mount of Olives.
Luk 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Luk 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Jerusalem was in a turmoil the day King David left and was still in a turmoil the day the Lord had come and Jerusalem will remain in a turmoil until The Lord Jesus, The Son of David returns to sit again on the throne in Jerusalem!
The Bible still says.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Ahithophel was the father of Bathsheba and he had not liked any of the things that had happened to his daughter nor to Uriah.
Remember Ahithophel was quick to discern such things as these, which had made him a wise counselor.
Ahithophel had deserted his king but King David went to the Mighty Counselor who had promised to always be with him.
As King David finally worshipped the Lord, he prayed that God would change the council of Ahithophel into foolishness.
So immediately God answered David's prayer and God sent King David's friend Hushai.
Hushai went back to Jerusalem to counteract the influence of Ahithophel.
If Absalom had listened to Ahithophel, he may have destroyed his father but by listening to Hushai, King David had time to gather his army and Absalom's conspiracy was ended.
As King David had gone on a little farther there came Ziba to take advantage of David.
*****2Sa 15:37 So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
2Sa 16:1 And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
2Sa 16:2 And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.
2Sa 16:3 And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.
2Sa 16:4 Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.
Without much explanation it seems that Ziba had taken this opportunity to make himself more loyal then Mephibosheth.
What Ziba was saying was that Mephibosheth had remained in Jerusalem in the hope that there would be enough supporters to make him king instead of Absalom. He was as the only remaining descendant of King Saul.
We can see that there was friction between Mephibosheth and Ziba and Ziba was trying to take advantage of this situation.
But David continued and someone else showed up but not with good tidings.
*****2Sa 16:5 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.
2Sa 16:6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.
2Sa 16:7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
2Sa 16:8 The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.
Shimei was a direct descendant of Benjamin through his father Gera and he took this opportunity to blaspheme and curse King David as he cast stones at him.
It seems he had a real hatred for King David but at this time he was nothing more than a nuisance and David allowed him his folly.
Bahurim was a town, very near the Jordan River and David stopped to refresh himself and those with him.
As David took some time to refresh himself near Bahurim, Absalom and his army enter into Jerusalem.
*****2Sa 16:14 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.
2Sa 16:15 And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
Absalom came into Jerusalem without seeing a trace of his enemy, his own father, but also not realizing that even on his departure his father had outwitted him and had set up a spy network to keep him informed of Absalom's intentions.
We are always to submit to God's Will!
But we are not to live as hermits!
We are to stay informed of our surroundings and pray for God's intervention!
In the case of King David we can see that God answers part of his prayer immediately.
But before this takes place God's Word will always hold true!
What had God said?
2Sa 12:11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
2Sa 12:12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
God's Word cannot fail!
*****2Sa 16:20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.
2Sa 16:21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.
2Sa 16:22 So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.
2Sa 16:23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
We can see that the Lord had known the heart of Ahithophel all along and knew just how wicked he truly was!
When Absalom violates his father's concubines it shows all of Jerusalem that he has despised his father's throne.
This was not an endorsement from God for Absalom to do evil!
This is just what evil things will happen when God lifts that hedge of protection.
What will happen immediately after the Church is raptured out of this world?
2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
When the Holy Ghost filled Church is raptured out of this world there will be no force on this earth to hold back the evil.
It is God's people who are holding back much of the evil in this world.
It is the Church that supports the moral laws and is to hate all lawlessness.
The Holy Spirit will operate much like He did in the Old Testament and evil will run rampant throughout this world.
And verse 23 states that the opinions of Ahithophel were accepted as if he were a prophet of God, which he was not!
But this evil councilor had a plan that could have destroyed King David if God had allowed it to take place.
*****2Sa 17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
2Sa 17:2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
2Sa 17:3 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.
2Sa 17:4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
2Sa 17:5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
Hushai was David's friend and it was Hushai who counteracted the influence of Ahithophel.
God will put the right people in place to see that His will is done!
King David's army would have been over whelmed by such a large force at this time.
David needed time to gather his army and this time was obtained by the advice of Hushai to Absalom.
*****2Sa 17:7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.
2Sa 17:8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
2Sa 17:9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
Hushai told Absalom that there was very little chance that he would even find King David and could not kill him and if there was a slaughter of the people that were with David they would stand as martyrs and turn the nation against him.
This made sense to Absalom and to all those back stabbing elders of Israel.
Absalom followed Hushai's advice.
And, Ahithophel went to his own home and hanged himself.
Hushai sent word to King David to cross the River Jordan.
David went to Mahanaim. This is the same city that Ishbosheth, King Saul's son had made his capitol but they were now King David's friends.
It is here that King David gathered his army to put down Absalom and retake Jerusalem.
A war between the families of Israel began.
It would not last very long but the cost of lives would be great.
And King David pleaded with his generals to save the life of Absalom.
*****2Sa 18:5 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
2Sa 18:6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
2Sa 18:7 Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.
2Sa 18:8 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.
King David had no doubt that his army would be victorious as told his generals to save the life of Absalom.
King David was a warrior king and he had chosen this place very well but sadly 20,000 men would have to die.
When we choose the wrong side it can sometimes be the cause of our death!
It is in this place chosen by King David where this war would be settled quickly.
This fight would be to the death because it was more hazardous to run away than it was to fight.
This was the right place to end this civil war and "in type" a battle somewhat like the coming battles of Armageddon.
But Joab was not about to allow Absalom to live if he got the opportunity to kill him.
Remember Absalom had burnt the fields of Joab and Joab was not one who would forget and it did not matter who they were.
*****2Sa 18:14 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them
through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
2Sa 18:15 And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
2Sa 18:16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.
There were many real reasons for Absalom to die for the things he had done!
But there was no reason for Joab not to honor the commands of his Commander in Chief and his King.
Joab had his own personal agenda and took his own personal vengeance.
But this thing was deeply offensive to King David!
What lesson can we learn?
It never pays to take counsel against the Lord's anointed!
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
God has a saying that holds true for may men like Absalom.
Pro 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Pro 6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; "suddenly shall he be broken without remedy".
Frowardness means Absalom rejoiced to do evil.
Absalom devised ways to go against his father the King.
Absalom did not even consider what he did to be evil, but it was.
Absalom sowed discord in his nation of Israel and it cost the lives of 20,000 men. A great loss to his nation.
And just as God's Word says Absalom's calamity came suddenly and he was broken and died "because there was no remedy that could cure him".
And King David mourned for his son.
*****2Sa 18:32 And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my
lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.
2Sa 18:33 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
King David gave no thought to the 20,000 Israelites who had died.
King David gave no thought to the guilt of his son in doing all these things.
King David gave no thought to a great victory over evil.
King David could only think of his son, who was dead.
What is our lesson here?
Eze 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
God is a God of love and delights only in happiness but God is also a "Righteous Judge" who must no doubt punish sin and punish it severely!
God does not punish anyone just to inflict pain and God gets no pleasure in anyone that dies the death of the lost, the "second death"!
We all have a appointment with death but that "second death" is a choice we make ourselves!
This is the very reason the Lord has so much patience.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance".
There is no reason for anyone to die without knowing the Lord Jesus Christ!
BUT, all those that die the death of Absalom will also die the second death!
Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the "second death".
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Is your name written down in the Book of Life?
Thank You Lord Jesus for being so patient.
Questions?
Let's Pray!
2 Samuel Chapter 15-18
God told King David that the sword would never depart from the house of David.
Today we will see that the division in the family of David would spread to divide the entire nation of Israel.
How can we best describe Absalom?
Let's let God describe Absalom for us.
Pro 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Pro 6:17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
Pro 6:18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
Pro 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Absalom had been allowed back into Israel after 2 years by his father but it took 3 more years for King David to allow Absalom to be in his presence and to have some official duties.
There was still no forgiveness and also no punishment for the death of Amnon.
So Absalom set out to destroy his own father.
*****2Sa 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
King David's government had become lax. King David was still the final authority of Israel but his own sin had made him an unworthy judge and he was still ignoring the commandments of God in judging his own family.
King David was losing the respect of the people of Israel.
Many of these things sound so familiar with what we see in America today.
Absalom used this weakness of his father to undermine the throne and seek the heart of the people.
Absalom was determined to be the next King of Israel no matter the cost!
While the King was rarely seen in public, Absalom made a great public showing of his royalty everywhere he went showing that he would soon be king.
Absalom had no more love for his father and he cared not for the things of God.
Absalom was a spoiled rich kid who had now rebelled against his own father.
Absalom had become these very things that God hates the most!
*****2Sa 15:2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
Absalom became as a politician running for office!
Absalom is the first recorded politician in the Bible.
Absalom would say things that he knew would tickle the ears of those who heard him.
Public business was transacted early in the morning. It would be normal for the King or at least his representative to be at the gate of the city early in the morning to hear any petition that required an answer from the king.
King David had been lax in this duty and many things were left undecided.
Absalom would point out to all who listened, that they could see that there was no one available from the king but that could be different if he were king of Israel.
There would be no vote to see who would be the next king, but Absalom sought public opinion even if he had to lie.
*****2Sa 15:3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
2Sa 15:4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
Absalom pointed out that his father was a failure as King of Israel, thinking only of his own self and not justice for the people.
At that time some of these things were true but it is unrealistic to believe that the king could take the time to hear every problem and we already know that King David could still discern between good and evil.
But where King David was a hero, "Absalom was a celebrity" and even today people are swayed by the things that celebrities say even though they have no real knowledge of the truth!
Samuel had warned Israel of the men like Absalom that would come.
1Sa 8:10 And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.
1Sa 8:11 And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
Absalom would say but "if I were king, things would be different".
How many of us have heard all these things?
This is the favorite tactic of the politician even in our day?
*****2Sa 15:5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
2Sa 15:6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
The kiss.
Absalom greeted everyone like they were old friends.
Absalom would find out where they came from and showed concern for their problems.
Absalom would agree with them on their complaints.
Absalom would tell them that surely things should be settled in their favor.
This was gross flattery of the most despicable kind!
Why had all these things happened?
Because King David had placed himself above the Word of God!
What do we see in the world today?
The entire world is rejecting the Word of God!
Who will be the "next one" to come on the scene according to the Word of God?
The Bible says.
Dan 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
How can we best describe Absalom as he appeared to Israel?
Psa 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
Absalom was in this sense a "type" of the Anti-Christ!
We can place Absalom in many "types" in the Bible "but we should not think of him as an abused son for he was not"!
The Bible says.
Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Absalom did not greet Israel with a holy kiss.
And we need to beware of the politician who greet everyone with a kiss!
Absalom "stole" the hearts of many in Israel.
And again Absalom deceives his father.
*****2Sa 15:7 And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.
Hebron was a city that was the home of much of the history of Israel. Once called Mamre, Hebron had been the home of Abraham and Isaac.
Joshua had reclaimed Hebron from the giants and Hebron became the center of the tribe of Judah.
In many cases the other tribes of Israel had followed Judah throughout Israel's history from the time of Moses.
David had first reigned as king in Hebron.
Absalom needed Hebron and Judah on his side if he were to be king!
It had taken only 4 years for the flatteries of Absalom to divide Israel into two warring sides.
And Absalom set his plan in place.
*****2Sa 15:12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
Athithophel was King David's counsellor because he could quickly discern a good idea from a bad idea and he could separate truth from falsehood but as we will see his loyalties were questionable.
In truth Ahithophel can be considered a "type" of Judas who would sell his services for money.
Only then did King David hear of this conspiracy.
*****2Sa 15:13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
2Sa 15:14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.
King David was a man of great personal bravery so why did he flee from Jerusalem?
1) David knew it was because of his own sin that these things were happening.
God had told him that "He would raise up evil out of his own house".
God's Word was being fulfilled right before David's eyes.
2) David had beautified the city of Jerusalem, which he loved very much and he would not see war destroy these things.
King David was not about to bring war to the streets of Jerusalem.
3) David could not bear to shed the blood of the people of Israel. David had grown to love these people!
4) David loved Absalom and David would concede the throne to Absalom before he would be a cause of his death.
We should notice one thing in particular!
Bad leaders, full of immorality, and seeking their own personal agenda, make their governments contemplable to the people!
We need to elect just and pure and godly men into the offices of power, no other traits are as important as these!
Israel was divided by all these things that were happening.
And we know that America is as divided today, almost as much as when we had our own Civil War.
What is important?
It was God who had made David, King of Israel!
And God does as God does!
God had not caused all these things to happen!
These things happened because we live in a sin filled world influenced by Satan.
God just did not stop these things from happening, which He could have but God expects us to come to Him with our problems!
It was David's sin that had caused these things just as it was Adam's sin that had caused the curse on this world we live in!
Fleeing from Jerusalem seemed to be the most logical thing to do to allow King David to better prepare for what had happened so quickly.
We are not promised tomorrow!
In order for things to go well with us, then we need that true relationship with God on a daily basis.
When Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, He teaches us 4 very special things.
1) We must place God's interest before our own personal needs!
2) We must keep our personal needs in the right proportion to our spiritual needs! (Which ever we feed the most)
3) Our relationship with God requires our prayers at least daily!
4) We must trust God for our present needs, not worrying about tomorrow!
We do not read where King David took time to pray on this day.
David fled for his life because he knew he would not fight Absalom.
*****2Sa 15:15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
2Sa 15:16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
2Sa 15:17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
2Sa 15:18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
King David had all his personal body guard who would not leave him and 600 Philistines.
These men would give their lives to protect King David but they were also willing to be obedient to him without question.
David took his entire household except for 10 concubines.
In these times a concubine was considered a lower class of wife and not just some plaything!
But the children from the concubine could not claim any part of the inheritance of their father.
The Church is the "Bride of Christ" but the Church is not the "Concubine of Christ"!
Rev 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
What does God say about the marriage?
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and "they shall be one flesh".
The Church is "one with Christ" and not some plaything nor a concubine!
These 10 women were to keep the palace household goods and furniture in order.
This not the job of the Church.
The Church is to make disciples and keep salvation the main thing!
*****2Sa 15:19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.
Ittai was Philistine who had with him 600 men.
He had no side in this battle and had dedicated himself and his men to the King of Israel.
But, Ittai regarded King David as his master and himself as David's slave.
In "type" Ittai is the "Gentile" who is a slave to Our Master, The Lord Jesus Christ, and we will soon see that he has equal rank among Joab and Abishai the Generals of David's armies.
We are all one in Christ Jesus!
Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Rom 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
God teaches us that when we show ourselves friendly we can have friends who are closer than a brother.
Ittai was such a friend to King David.
Ittai was exiled from the Philistines and could not go back home.
If Ittai stayed with King David and David failed, he would no longer be welcomed in Israel under Absalom.
Ittai had a lot to lose but he stayed with God's chosen.
And Ittai said.
*****2Sa 15:21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.
Jesus Christ gave us these words:
Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
At this time in his life Ittai was the type of friend that King David needed.
This the type of person that Jesus wants us all to be today!
Our job is to serve those that God chooses for His own purpose!
There are just too many today that try to make Our Lord Jesus Christ a stepping stone to help them get to Heaven.
To them Our Lord is only a convenience to serve their own purpose.
This not what the Lord wants!
The citizens of Heaven will be people who have accepted the Lord Jesus not only as Master, but also as the Only King, and the Creator of this world and of Heaven.
It is the Church who is a stranger and an exile in this world and it is Jesus Christ that we must follow!
If Jesus could fail, then the Church would fail!
We must follow Jesus even if it means our own death!
*****2Sa 15:23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.
2Sa 15:24 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
2Sa 15:25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:
2Sa 15:26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
2Sa 15:27 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
2Sa 15:28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.
2Sa 15:29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
At this time Zadok and Abiather shared the priestly duties and they thought it would be best if the they and the Ark of God went with King David.
David knew that the Ark belonged to the people of God and not just to the ruler of Israel.
The things of God cannot be treated like some good luck charm!
It is God Himself who will defend His Own things!
King David realized that in the time of Eli, the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel, and one of the reasons was that the Ark of God had been taken to the battlefield as some idol or as some good luck charm.
King David knew that the Covenant of God could not be broken no matter who sat on the throne in Israel.
King David also knew, that if he was to return to the throne in Jerusalem it would be by the hand of God.
What is Faith?
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
So, David continues his escape.
*****2Sa 15:30 And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.
2Sa 15:31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
2Sa 15:32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
King David traveled by the way of the Mount of Olives.
King David wept as he ascended up the Mount of Olives and 1000 years later, Jesus Christ wept as He descended from the Mount of Olives.
Luk 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Luk 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Jerusalem was in a turmoil the day King David left and was still in a turmoil the day the Lord had come and Jerusalem will remain in a turmoil until The Lord Jesus, The Son of David returns to sit again on the throne in Jerusalem!
The Bible still says.
Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Ahithophel was the father of Bathsheba and he had not liked any of the things that had happened to his daughter nor to Uriah.
Remember Ahithophel was quick to discern such things as these, which had made him a wise counselor.
Ahithophel had deserted his king but King David went to the Mighty Counselor who had promised to always be with him.
As King David finally worshipped the Lord, he prayed that God would change the council of Ahithophel into foolishness.
So immediately God answered David's prayer and God sent King David's friend Hushai.
Hushai went back to Jerusalem to counteract the influence of Ahithophel.
If Absalom had listened to Ahithophel, he may have destroyed his father but by listening to Hushai, King David had time to gather his army and Absalom's conspiracy was ended.
As King David had gone on a little farther there came Ziba to take advantage of David.
*****2Sa 15:37 So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
2Sa 16:1 And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.
2Sa 16:2 And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.
2Sa 16:3 And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.
2Sa 16:4 Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.
Without much explanation it seems that Ziba had taken this opportunity to make himself more loyal then Mephibosheth.
What Ziba was saying was that Mephibosheth had remained in Jerusalem in the hope that there would be enough supporters to make him king instead of Absalom. He was as the only remaining descendant of King Saul.
We can see that there was friction between Mephibosheth and Ziba and Ziba was trying to take advantage of this situation.
But David continued and someone else showed up but not with good tidings.
*****2Sa 16:5 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.
2Sa 16:6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.
2Sa 16:7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
2Sa 16:8 The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.
Shimei was a direct descendant of Benjamin through his father Gera and he took this opportunity to blaspheme and curse King David as he cast stones at him.
It seems he had a real hatred for King David but at this time he was nothing more than a nuisance and David allowed him his folly.
Bahurim was a town, very near the Jordan River and David stopped to refresh himself and those with him.
As David took some time to refresh himself near Bahurim, Absalom and his army enter into Jerusalem.
*****2Sa 16:14 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.
2Sa 16:15 And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
Absalom came into Jerusalem without seeing a trace of his enemy, his own father, but also not realizing that even on his departure his father had outwitted him and had set up a spy network to keep him informed of Absalom's intentions.
We are always to submit to God's Will!
But we are not to live as hermits!
We are to stay informed of our surroundings and pray for God's intervention!
In the case of King David we can see that God answers part of his prayer immediately.
But before this takes place God's Word will always hold true!
What had God said?
2Sa 12:11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
2Sa 12:12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
God's Word cannot fail!
*****2Sa 16:20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.
2Sa 16:21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.
2Sa 16:22 So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.
2Sa 16:23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
We can see that the Lord had known the heart of Ahithophel all along and knew just how wicked he truly was!
When Absalom violates his father's concubines it shows all of Jerusalem that he has despised his father's throne.
This was not an endorsement from God for Absalom to do evil!
This is just what evil things will happen when God lifts that hedge of protection.
What will happen immediately after the Church is raptured out of this world?
2Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
When the Holy Ghost filled Church is raptured out of this world there will be no force on this earth to hold back the evil.
It is God's people who are holding back much of the evil in this world.
It is the Church that supports the moral laws and is to hate all lawlessness.
The Holy Spirit will operate much like He did in the Old Testament and evil will run rampant throughout this world.
And verse 23 states that the opinions of Ahithophel were accepted as if he were a prophet of God, which he was not!
But this evil councilor had a plan that could have destroyed King David if God had allowed it to take place.
*****2Sa 17:1 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
2Sa 17:2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
2Sa 17:3 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.
2Sa 17:4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
2Sa 17:5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
Hushai was David's friend and it was Hushai who counteracted the influence of Ahithophel.
God will put the right people in place to see that His will is done!
King David's army would have been over whelmed by such a large force at this time.
David needed time to gather his army and this time was obtained by the advice of Hushai to Absalom.
*****2Sa 17:7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.
2Sa 17:8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
2Sa 17:9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
Hushai told Absalom that there was very little chance that he would even find King David and could not kill him and if there was a slaughter of the people that were with David they would stand as martyrs and turn the nation against him.
This made sense to Absalom and to all those back stabbing elders of Israel.
Absalom followed Hushai's advice.
And, Ahithophel went to his own home and hanged himself.
Hushai sent word to King David to cross the River Jordan.
David went to Mahanaim. This is the same city that Ishbosheth, King Saul's son had made his capitol but they were now King David's friends.
It is here that King David gathered his army to put down Absalom and retake Jerusalem.
A war between the families of Israel began.
It would not last very long but the cost of lives would be great.
And King David pleaded with his generals to save the life of Absalom.
*****2Sa 18:5 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
2Sa 18:6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
2Sa 18:7 Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.
2Sa 18:8 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.
King David had no doubt that his army would be victorious as told his generals to save the life of Absalom.
King David was a warrior king and he had chosen this place very well but sadly 20,000 men would have to die.
When we choose the wrong side it can sometimes be the cause of our death!
It is in this place chosen by King David where this war would be settled quickly.
This fight would be to the death because it was more hazardous to run away than it was to fight.
This was the right place to end this civil war and "in type" a battle somewhat like the coming battles of Armageddon.
But Joab was not about to allow Absalom to live if he got the opportunity to kill him.
Remember Absalom had burnt the fields of Joab and Joab was not one who would forget and it did not matter who they were.
*****2Sa 18:14 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them
through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
2Sa 18:15 And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.
2Sa 18:16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.
There were many real reasons for Absalom to die for the things he had done!
But there was no reason for Joab not to honor the commands of his Commander in Chief and his King.
Joab had his own personal agenda and took his own personal vengeance.
But this thing was deeply offensive to King David!
What lesson can we learn?
It never pays to take counsel against the Lord's anointed!
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
God has a saying that holds true for may men like Absalom.
Pro 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
Pro 6:15 Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; "suddenly shall he be broken without remedy".
Frowardness means Absalom rejoiced to do evil.
Absalom devised ways to go against his father the King.
Absalom did not even consider what he did to be evil, but it was.
Absalom sowed discord in his nation of Israel and it cost the lives of 20,000 men. A great loss to his nation.
And just as God's Word says Absalom's calamity came suddenly and he was broken and died "because there was no remedy that could cure him".
And King David mourned for his son.
*****2Sa 18:32 And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my
lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.
2Sa 18:33 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
King David gave no thought to the 20,000 Israelites who had died.
King David gave no thought to the guilt of his son in doing all these things.
King David gave no thought to a great victory over evil.
King David could only think of his son, who was dead.
What is our lesson here?
Eze 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.
God is a God of love and delights only in happiness but God is also a "Righteous Judge" who must no doubt punish sin and punish it severely!
God does not punish anyone just to inflict pain and God gets no pleasure in anyone that dies the death of the lost, the "second death"!
We all have a appointment with death but that "second death" is a choice we make ourselves!
This is the very reason the Lord has so much patience.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance".
There is no reason for anyone to die without knowing the Lord Jesus Christ!
BUT, all those that die the death of Absalom will also die the second death!
Rev 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the "second death".
Rev 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Is your name written down in the Book of Life?
Thank You Lord Jesus for being so patient.
Questions?
Let's Pray!
