Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 21

2 Samuel 21

-The section which could be entitled “The Later Years of David’s Rule” begins in chapter 21 with the three-year famine that occurred in Israel during his reign. David sought the presence of the LORD on this matter when it began to get really bad as the land thirsted for rain and the resulting waters. The LORD frankly told His servant, “It is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” There had been a covenant made with this remnant of the Amorites, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the sons of Israel and Judah during his reign (see Joshua 9:3-20). Therefore, at the hearing of this message of the LORD his God, David came to the Gibeonites to ask what he could do for them to make atonement for this grievous error so that they might bless the inheritance of the LORD rather than bring a curse on it. The Gibeonites had no concern for silver or gold from Saul or his house. Neither was it for them to put any man to death in Israel, but David told them he’d do whatever they asked. Then they decided, “The man (Saul) who consumed us and who planned to exterminate us from remaining within any border of Israel, let seven men from his sons be given to us, and we will hang them before the LORD in Gibeah of Saul, the chosen of the LORD.” David consented to this retribution, but he spared Mephibosheth because he was of the house of Jonathan whom he had a lasting covenantal oath with himself. David took the two sons of Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah and Saul, as well as the five sons of Merab, who was also a daughter of Saul. So in sum, seven men grandchildren of the deceased former king were handed over to execute justice on the breaking of this ratified covenant (or promise). They were hanged in the mountain before the LORD in the first days of the barley harvest. Rizpah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock from the beginning of this harvest until it rained on them from the sky. She would not let the birds to rest on them in the day nor the beasts of the field by night (2 Samuel 21:1-10).

-When David learned what she was doing, he went and took the bones of Saul and Jonathan back from the men in Jabesh-gilead, who had valiantly stolen them from the open square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had ruthlessly and disgracefully hanged them after the battle at Gilboa (see 1 Samuel 31). These bones were now properly laid to rest with the bones of the seven who had died sacrificially to make atonement in the country of Benjamin in Zela in the grave of Kish, the father of Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-2). “Thus they did all that the king commanded, and after that God was moved by prayer for the land (2 Samuel 21:11-14).”

-War came back to the nation from the hands of the Philistines in David’s later years. The veteran warrior went down to fight alongside his servants, but David became weary in his aging body. Ishbi-benob, who was among the descendants of the giant (Goliath), had a new sword with which he intended to kill King David. However, in a heroic feat of strength, the legendary Abishai, son of Zeruiah, had his back, helped him and struck the Philistine with a killing blow. At that scary point the men of David swore to him that he would no longer go out to battle. Otherwise he could possibly “extinguish the lamp of Israel.” They loved their king and venerated him in his posterity (2 Samuel 21:15-17).

-After this there was another war with the Philistines at Gob. It was there that Sibbecai the Hushathite struck down another descendant of the giant by the name of Saph. War eventually erupted again at Gob with the Philistines, and this is when Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, who had a spear like a weaver’s beam. Then, another war occurred with the Philistines where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot. He was a descendent of the giant as well, but when he defied Israel, just like his ancestor he was struck down by Jonathan the son of Shimei, who was David’s brother. “These four (Ishbi-benob, Saph, Goliath the Gittite, and the six-fingered/six-toed man) were born to the giant in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants (2 Samuel 21:18-22).” It had taken hundreds of years, but Israel was finally facing their giants in faith and boldness (Numbers 13:25-33).

-*Application* There are a couple of thing we would do well to note here from this chapter. First, keep your promises and make sure future generations know the importance of steadfast oaths unto others. God hates lies, and He can’t stand for people to go back on their word. So we must be people who keep our word and make it a permanent bond. Secondly, we must have faith and boldness when the enemies of the LORD come against us. We cannot back down or wimp out. David, even in his old age, was ready, willing, and able to go to battle with the young guns. Thankfully, we can have the support and help of: 1) those who have been our trusted friends through the ages and 2) those who are new blood coming up to defeat the foes in our conflicts.

Verses to Memorize: 2 Samuel 21:14, 22

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 20

2 Samuel 20

-A worthless fellow named Sheba happened to be there when this discussion between Judah and Israel was taking place over the kingdom of David (see 2 Samuel 19:41-43). He was the son of Bichri, a Benjamite. He blew the trumpet of rebellion and proclaimed, “We have no portion in David, nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel!” This led many in Israel to withdraw from following David, and they followed after this Sheba. Judah, however, remained faithful and steadfast to their king, from the Jordan all the way to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 20:1-2).

-David eventually came back to his house in Jerusalem. When he came, he took the ten concubines whom he had left behind and placed them under guard providing them with sustenance. But, he would no longer go into them sexually, so they were shut up until the day they died much like widows (2 Samuel 20:3).

-Soon David called his new commander, Amasa, to bring all the men of Judah before him to present themselves. He gave him three days to accomplish this mission, but Amasa delayed longer than the set time appointed. Due to the delay, Amasa was not with them when David assigned Abishai to take the lord’s servants and pursue this dangerous man, Sheba. The king rightly discerned that he would do more harm than Absalom if left to gather support, weapons, and protection in fortified cities against David’s kingdom. The king did not want to let this one escape out of his nation’s sight. So Joab’s men also went out from Jerusalem after Sheba, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men from David’s forces. When they were at the large stone which was in Gibeon just north of Jerusalem, Amasa finally showed up. Joab is described as having his military attire on with a belt over it that had a sword in its sheath fastened at his waist, which would fall out as he leaned forward. Joab gave a bogus-cordial greeting to Amasa. With hidden animosity he chimed, “Is it well with you, my brother?” Then, he took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him in greeting. Amasa was not on guard for a murderous attack that was coming. Joab had slipped the sword into his hand as he leaned forward; then, he venomously struck David’s newly appointed military commander in the belly pouring his inward parts out onto the ground. This killed him. Immediately, in a war hawk frenzy, Joab and his brother, Abishai, took off to get Sheba too. There was a young follower of Joab who then proclaimed, “Whoever favors Joab and whoever is for David, let him follow Joab.” Meanwhile, Amasa lay wallowing in his blood in the middle of the highway. When this young fellow saw that it was causing all the people to stand still, he removed the carcass into a field and threw a garment over it. As soon as Amasa’s dead body was out of the sightlines, all the men returned to their focus and followed on after Joab to pursue Sheba (2 Samuel 20:4-13). A deadly day in the land. Violence was far too prevalent.

-While this was going on, Sheba was going through all the tribes of Israel all the way up to the north where Abel, even Beth-maacah, was. This was near the tribe of Dan in the northern most section of the land of Israel. Joab’s forces now besieged this fortified city, even casting up a siege ramp against the city by the rampart. All those with Joab were wreaking destruction in an effort to topple the wall of the city. But, at this point, a woman, who is described as being “wise” called out to Joab for a discussion. Joab showed some reasonability now as he entered this dialog with this “wise” woman. She maintained that she was of those who were “peaceable and faithful in Israel.” She reasoned with Joab that it would not be prudent to destroy a whole city, “even a mother in Israel,” since it was an inheritance of the LORD. Joab agreed that this would the right thing as he stated, “Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy!” Kind of ironic considering the source, but he went on to tell her exactly what Sheba, who had come from the hill country of Ephraim, was up to in lifting his hand against King David. Joab asked for him and then all would be peaceful in the city. She told him matter-of-factly that his head would be thrown over the wall to them to appease this conflict. Then the “wise” woman came to all the people of Abel Beth-maacah with the plan, and soon it was carried out. They cut off the head of the want-to-be usurper and threw it to Joab over the city wall. This initiated Joab to blow the trumpet of dispersal and they all went back to their respective tents. Joab went back to Jerusalem as well with mission accomplished (2 Samuel 20:14-22).

-The rest of the chapter gives the reader an update on the ones holding office now in David’s kingdom. Joab was back over the whole army, unpunished once again apparently. Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites. Adoram was over the forced labor division, and Jehoshaphat was the nation’s recorder. Sheva was the chief scribe, while Zadok and Abiathar remained as priests. Ira the Jairite was also a priest to David (2 Samuel 20:23-26).

-*Application* The violent nature of the things going on in this ancient culture is enough to make us sick, I fully concur. In the midst of a violent society, and our American culture is growing in this unfortunately, we can be “wise” with how we handle situations to bring a substantial impact for peace. Cultivate wisdom in handling each and every situation to bring resolution without further damage. This is the theme of this section in a very fallen-vicious context.

Verses to Memorize: 2 Samuel 20:10, 22

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 19

2 Samuel 19

-Joab was told how much David was grieving for his lost son, Absalom, in the wake of Joab and the people loyal to David’s victory. In fact the celebration was turned into a day of mourning for all the people because of David’s despondency. The people came into the city by stealth as if they were humiliated like an army fleeing from their opponent. The king kept covering his face in grief crying out loudly, “O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!” Joab decided he needed to make a strong confrontation to this situation and came to the king’s house that he was staying in with a message. He stated, “Today you have covered with shame the faces of all your servants, who today have saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, the lives of your wives, and the lives of your concubines, by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. For you have shown today that princes and servants are nothing to you; for I know this day that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead today, then you would be pleased.” He went on with an exhortation and a threat, “Now therefore arise, go out and speak kindly to your servants, for I swear by the LORD, if you do not go out, surely not a man will pass the night with you, and this will be worse for you than all the evil that has come upon you from your youth until now.” David got the hint and arose to sit in the gate. There all the people came before him. Meanwhile, all of Israel that had risen up against him with Absalom fled back to their respective tents (2 Samuel 19:1-8).

-There was a resulting quarrel in the tribes of Israel as to what to make of this situation with David as he was gone across the river in partial abdication of his throne. They knew their leader was dead and that David had been the man to deliver them. So, there was a conflict of interests, but in the end they decided that they wanted King David back as their anointed leader. David sent to Zadok and Abiathar, who were in Jerusalem, to reach out to the elders of Judah asking why they were the last one to bring the king back to his house. He had heard word from the rest of Israel that they wanted him back as king, but had heard no such news from Judah apparently. He petitioned them as his brothers, as his bone and flesh. We wanted to come back, but it appears he was unsure of their response towards him (2 Samuel 19:9-12).

-David also made a strategic military decision at this time. He commissioned Amasa, who had been Absalom’s man in charge over the Israelite army (2 Samuel 17:25), to replace Joab, who was now out of the king’s favor. This was a brilliant move to reunify both Judah and Israel in the spirit of reconciliation. “Thus he turned the hearts of all the men of Judah as one man, so that they sent word to the king, saying, “Return, you and all your servants.” At that point the king began his return and came as far as the Jordan. All of the important dignitaries of Judah came to Gilgal, just to the west of the Jordan, in order to meet and greet him as well as assist his crossing of the river. Shimei, who had cursed David previously (2 Samuel 16:5-13), came from Bahurim in a hurry with the men of Judah to meet King David. At his side were 1,000 men of Benjamin, with Ziba, the servant of the house of Saul whom David had appointed over Mephibosheth’s estate (2 Samuel 9:3-12; 16:1-4). His fifteen sons and twenty servants were also with him. They rushed to the Jordan before the king to greet him. They kept crossing the ford to bring over all of the king’s household in doing good in his sight. As David was about to cross, Shimei fell down before the king just as he was about to cross over. He pleaded in repentance, “Let not my lord consider me guilty, nor remember what your servant did wrong on the day when my lord the king came out from Jerusalem, so that the king would take it to heart. For your servant knows that I have sinned; therefore behold, I have come today, the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” But Abishai, Joab’s brother and son of Zeruiah, had retributive justice on his heart and questioned, “Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’s anointed?” David rebuked him and plainly even calling the sons of Zeruiah adversaries. He forgave Shimei and didn’t want any man in Israel to be put to death this day. He was secure in his position as king again and wanted to show the lovingkindness (checed) of the LORD God through his decisions. Therefore, the king spoke to Shimei kindly in swearing to him that he would not die (2 Samuel 13-23).

-Then the familiar Mephibosheth came down to meet the king in this spontaneous reunion of classic characters. Mephibosheth had not cared for his feet, nor trimmed his mustache, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king left Jerusalem until now that he had returned in peace. When David saw him, he asked, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” Mephibosheth told him that his servant had deceived him and that he was told that, because of his lameness, he shouldn’t go on the journey. He accused his servant of slandering him to the lord his king. He built David up in stating that he was like the angel of God, and let him know that whatever decision he made towards him was all good with him. He still considered his father’s household as nothing but dead men before the king. He renounced all his rights, and he was grateful for all David had done in bringing him to the king’s table. He was not one for complaining at all. David quickly pronounced a judgment on this in dividing the land that he had previously given over to Ziba (see 2 Samuel 16:1-4) between both of them. Mephibosheth, though, said to the king, “Let him even take it all, since my lord the king has come safely to his own house (2 Samuel 19:24-30). I do suppose that Mephibosheth trusted David to completely take care of him from this point forward.

-One further character reappears in the narrative who had been a huge blessing to David in his time of trial (2 Samuel 17:27-29). Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim to help escort the king back towards his homeland across the Jordan. David offered Barzillai sustenance in coming with him to Jerusalem, but Barzillai was 80 years old and very old. He told David he had lost his capabilities to function with discernment, taste, and hearing. He figured he would be more of a burden than a help to the king in his presence. Instead of receiving a reward for his benevolence, he offered for a return to his ancestral homeland to be soon buried near the grave of his father and mother in peace. He wanted a servant by the name of Chimham to cross over with David, and then David could have his help as one who was young and more competent. David obliged this gracious offer and off they went. “All the people crossed over the Jordan and the king crossed too. The king then kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.” So the king went on to Gilgal with Chimham, all the people of Judah, and also half the people of Israel accompanying him (2 Samuel 19:31-40).

-There in Gilgal, all the men of Israel came to the king and pronounced consternation over the fact that Judah was bringing back David. They, being a fickle bunch, wanted first rights to reclaim David as their king even though they had acquiesced and actively participated in the rebellion of Absalom. Judah countered with the fact that he was a close relative of theirs. They could not understand the anger of these other tribes in this matter. They had eaten at their own expense and had not accepted any benefit on their behalf. The ten parts that Israel said they had with the king have to do with the ten tribes, not including Judah and Benjamin. They felt like Judah was treating them with contempt in this matter. They rationalized that it was them that at first propagated the notion of bringing David back as the king over all Israel. “Yet the words of the men of Judah were harsher than the words of the men of Israel (2 Samuel 19:41-43).” This reveals a growing tension and depth of the schism that was occurring in the country that would eventually separate the two kingdoms after the passing of Solomon (1 Kings 12:16-24, 2 Chronicles 10:1-19).

-*Application* The reconstruction process after a conflict can be a messy process. That’s why we should do everything we can to make peace on the front end, before feelings get hurt and divisions develop. Think about the things we are going through right now in our own country, and the efforts the enemy is making to divide well-meaning, productive people that really should have a common goal. It is easy to escalate things and pride will continually deconstruct. David shows us a different path. He was a unifier, and he forgave his enemies with class and courage. We too need to be secure in our call and position to the point that we can excuse those who may have wronged us and be willing to reconcile things for the better of all in perpetuity during the aftermath of a conflict. This is the Spirit of Christ Jesus, which, as believers in Him, should permeate our thinking as well.

Verses to Memorize: 2 Samuel 19:7, 39

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 18

2 Samuel 18

-We see the certainty of battle between a rebellious son and his exiled father as this chapter opens up. David is numbering his people who were with him and assigning commanders over thousands and hundreds in their respective regiments. One third were under the command of Joab, one third were under the command of his brother Abishai, and the other third were under Ittai the Gittite. David resolved to go out with them into battle, but the people persuaded him to stay back and help them from the city. They reasoned that King David was worth 10,000 of them and he should be in a safer environment than the battlefield in this dilemma. David consented to their wishes and stood beside the gate as all the people went out by hundreds and thousands. He charged Joab, Abishai, and Ittai to deal gently with Absalom, his son. All the people heard his charge concerning Absalom, and then they went out into the field against Israel. The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim, and the Israelites siding with Absalom were soundly defeated before the servants of David. The text describes the slaughter as “great” with some 20,000 men of Israel killed in action. The violent battle spread over the whole countryside, and the menacing forest that they fought in actually devoured more people that day than the sword (2 Samuel 18:1-8).

-Now Absalom happened to meet the servants of David because Absalom’s mule went under a thicket and Absalom’s heavy hair (see 2 Samuel 14:25-26) got caught up in the branches of a great oak, and he was suspended in the air between heaven and earth as the mule kept running. A certain man loyal to David saw him there and reported this to Joab. Joab, pumped up with the adrenaline of war, wondered aloud why this certain man had not struck the usurper that was causing all of this conflict. He told the man that indeed he would have given him ten pieces of silver and a belt for his heroic actions if he would have killed Absalom. But the man had remembered his king’s charge, “Even if I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I would not put out my hand against the king’s son; for in our hearing the king charged you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, ‘Protect for me the young man Absalom!’ Otherwise, if I had dealt treacherously against his life (and there is nothing hidden from the king), then you yourself would have stood aloof.” Joab, still full of animosity and vengeance retorted, “I will not waste time here with you.” He immediately took three spears in his hand and thrust them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the midst of the oak. Then 10 young men who carried Joab’s armor joined in and struck Absalom killing him off. After that, Joab blew the trumpet of return and the people came back from pursuing Israel “for Joab had restrained the people.” They took Absalom and cast him into a deep pit in the forest and erected over him a very great heap of stones. Upon this action, defeated and embarrassed, the rest of the Israelites involved in the attempted coup returned to their respective tents. This section ends with a unique aside, which is still observable in the Kidron Valley (or as the Word calls it, the King’s Valley) to this day. Absalom had erected a pillar for himself to preserve his name, and it became known as “Absalom’s Monument (2 Samuel 18:9-18).” A picture of what it looks like now is below.

-Ahimaaz, the son of the priest Zadok, wanted to run and bring the news of the LORD’s freeing of David from his enemies. But Joab told him that he was not the man to carry this kind of news since this was the king’s son, and Joab knew of David’s love for Absalom. Joab instead commissioned a Cushite (an ancient civilization south of Egypt in Africa) to go and tell the king what he had seen. The Cushite bowed to Joab and departed on a run. Soon after, Ahimaaz, begged once again to be the man that runs to the king with this news no matter what would happen. Joab saw that he would have no reward for carrying this news of the death of Absalom, but he eventually consented and let Ahimaaz take off with his message of victory. Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain and passed up the Cushite on his way to the king. Meanwhile, David was sitting between the two gates of the city, and his watchman had gone up to the roof of the gate by the wall to observe. He caught a glimpse of a man running by himself, and the king knew this meant good news. Then the watchman saw another man running by himself, and David knew this too meant good news. The first runner was soon to be perceived by the watchman as Ahimaaz due to the way that he ran, which lead the king to respond, “This is a good man and comes with good news.” Upon arrival, Ahimaaz proclaimed, “All is well.” Then he prostrated himself before the king in honor and respect with his face to the ground. He continued, “Blessed is the LORD your God, who has delivered up the men who lifted their hands against my lord the king.” But the king wanted to know about his son, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” Ahimaaz responded by saying that he saw a great tumult but could not discern exactly what happened. This is when the Cushite arrived pronouncing to let the king hear good news of the LORD’s freeing from all those who had risen up against him. Once again, David asked about his son, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” The Cushite answered, “Let the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up against you for evil, be as that young man!” Realizing his son’s demise, the king was deeply moved with grief and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. As he walked he mourned, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son (2 Samuel 18:19-33)!”

-*Application* We should see from this episode the results of defiance and rebellion, both from a son, a commander, and a king. The son’s insurgence caused a war with many lives lost over virtually nothing. The commander, Joab, caused incredible grief on the part of the king because he did not obey his clear instructions. Of course all of this grief and loss happened because of David’s infidelities that tore apart his life and family. This was a sin against Almighty God. By the LORD’s decree, there are always consequences for disobedience. While He forgives and restores in His lovingkindness, we still can certainly make a mess of things when we don’t fully follow God’s decrees and commands as well as those in authority over us on this earth.

Verse to Memorize: 2 Samuel 18:14

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 17

2 Samuel 17

-As this chapter commences, Ahithophel counsels Absalom to let him choose 12,000 men to go out and pursue David that very night. His plan was to come upon them while they were weary and exhausted so that that could terrify him with incredible force at an opportune time. He reasoned that all who were with David would then flee, and he could strike down the king alone. Ahithophel promised to bring back all of them to Absalom. He rightly concluded that everything depended on their capture and destroying of David. Peace, he rationalized, would then come when the king was destroyed (2 Samuel 17:1-3). This plan pleased Absalom and all the elders, but Absalom by Divine providence summoned Hushai the Archite also for counsel. He wanted to hear what he had to say. After hearing of Ahithophel’s counsel, Hushai proclaimed it to be bad advice. He countered with the fact that David and his mighty men were fierce warriors that could not be taken lightly. David, he was sure, would not stay with the people overnight. He was an expert in warfare and would be hiding himself in the caves and strongholds of the region that he knew so well from his days of fleeing from Saul. He debated that a first attack would not go well for those siding with Absalom, and that they, even the bravest hearts, would totally lose hope and vigor to fight this fight. He taught respect for David and his men’s mighty prowess and valiant spirit. He then shared his strategy for defeating David. He advised that all Israel be gathered, which would take some time. Remember, he was a spy for King David (2 Samuel 15:32-37). This would give valuable time to communicate with his real loyalty. He also used flattery to persuade the usurper. He told Absalom that all from up north in Dan to the far south in Beersheba would be gathered unto him for this decisive battle in which Absalom should personally go into as a conquering hero of the underprivileged. Hushai recommended that they come to him in one place where David could be found, and then they could all fall on him “as the dew falls on the ground.” He predicted that all of them would be destroyed if this plan were implemented. Even if the opposition retreated into a protected city, all of Israel could bring ropes to that city and drag it into the valley piece by piece until not even a small stone could be found there (2 Samuel 17:4-13).

-Then an unusual outcome was determined. Absalom and all the men of Israel agreed with Hushai’s plan over the counsel of Ahithophel, “For the LORD had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the LORD might bring calamity on Absalom.” Hushai was quick to inform Zadok and Abiathar, the priests who were loyal to David in Jerusalem, about all that had transpired concerning their counsel to Absalom. He wanted them to send quickly to David telling him and his followers to leave the fords of the wilderness immediately and cross over the Jordan; else they could be destroyed. The sons of Zadok, who was Ahimaaz, and Abiathar, who was Jonathan, were staying nearby in En-rogel, would be the informers to David. A maidservant would go and tell them all since they could not be seen entering the city. But a young boy did see them and told Absalom. They departed quickly and came to Bahurim and hid in a man’s well in his courtyard. Down they went into the well. Meanwhile, a woman who defended their cause took a covering and spread it over the well’s mouth with scattered grain on it for camouflage. Absalom’s servants soon arrived to this woman asking where Jonathan and Ahimaaz were. She lied and told them that they had crossed over the river. After they searched a bit and couldn’t find them, they returned empty-handed to Jerusalem. After they had departed, Jonathan and Ahimaaz came up out of the well and went and told David as fast as they could. They said to him, “Arise and cross over the water quickly for thus Ahithophel has counseled against you.” Therefore, David left immediately with all those with him and crossed the Jordan; by that next day’s dawn they were completely over (2 Samuel 17:14-22).

-Now when the egotistical Ahithophel realized that his counsel was shunned, he saddled his donkey, arose, and went to his own home, to his city, set his house in order, and strangled himself (probably a suicide by hanging). He died and was buried in the grave of his father. A dubious ending caused by extreme pride and arrogance in this situation (2 Samuel 17:23).

-Thus, David came to Mahanaim, east of the Jordan, and Absalom soon too crossed over with all the men of Israel in support of his rebellion. Absalom had set Amasa over his army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of Ithra the Israelite who went into Abigail the daughter of Nahash, who was the sister of Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. A tangled symmetry of relatives here. All of Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead, preparing for a conflict. The chapter ends with some compassionate acts of Shobi, the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the sons of Ammon, Machir, the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai, the Gileadite from Rogelim. They brought to David and his people in Mahanaim beds, basins, pottery, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans, lentils, parched seeds, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese of the herd for them to eat and get replenished. Their synopsis was this, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness (2 Samuel 17:24-29).”

-*Application* We cannot thwart God’s plan and purpose no matter how wise we might think we, or our counsel, are. On whom the LORD wants to bring calamity, He will bring calamity. On those whom He wants to bless, He will bless. We only need to inspect the motives to see why God blesses some and curses others. The character of David compared to his son Absalom should be a lesson for us. David had a heart after God. Absalom had a heart bent on revenge and selfish pride

Verses to Memorize: 2 Samuel 17:7, 14

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 16

2 Samuel 16

-As David passed beyond the summit of the Mount of Olives fleeing the city of Jerusalem now in exile, a servant of Mephibosheth, and caretaker of his property, met him with a couple of saddled donkeys and food supplies. His name was Ziba, and David promptly asked him why he had these provisions. Ziba told him that the donkeys were for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit were for the young men to eat, and the wine was for whoever may be faint in the wilderness and needed a drink. This Ziba was showing favor to David, but David asked an important question. He asked where his master’s (Jonathan) son was. Ziba lied and told him that he had stayed in Jerusalem with hopes that the house of Israel would be returned to him. Mephibosheth never initiated this plan, but David accepted Ziba’s lie. He gave him all that belonged to Mephibosheth, thus nullifying his previous generosity (see 2 Samuel 9), and showed a woeful lack of discernment in a flippant moment. Ziba was grateful for finding favor in the sight of the king and prostrated himself before him in respect (2 Samuel 16-1-4).

-More intrigue occurred along the exile’s path as they came to Bahurim (also known as Nob on the eastward path from Jerusalem to Jericho just past the Mount of Olives in the land of Benjamin). There, a man named Shimei from the family of Saul came out cursing David as he came through. Things got ugly as this Shimei threw stones at the king, his servants, the people, even the mighty men who were at David’s right and left hand. Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, and worthless fellow! The LORD has returned upon you all the bloodshed of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned; and the LORD has given the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. And behold, you are taken in your own evil, for you are a man of bloodshed!” Abishai, who was the brother of military commander Joab (2 Samuel 2:18), stood up for the exiled king at this point, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over now and cut off his head.” Exacerbated, David replied, “What have I to do with you, O sons of Zeruiah? If he curses, and if the LORD has told him, ‘Curse David,’ then who shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” He continued with resignation, “Behold, my son who came out from me seeks my life; how much more this Benjamite? Let him alone and let him curse, for the LORD has told him.” But then he acknowledged some faith and hope as he continued his didactical discourse, “Perhaps the LORD will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.” So, they went along their way not interfering with the antics of this Shemei, a man of anger and self-retribution. He continued to mock along the hillside parallel with the king cursing and casting stones and throwing dust at him. A real chaotic scene we can be sure. When the king and all the people who were with him finally arrived at their destination at the fords (2 Samuel 15:28), they were weary, but they refreshed themselves there in that desert place with an uncertain future looming (2 Samuel 16:5-14).

-The scene shifts back to Jerusalem, where Absalom was now arriving with his supporters from the men of Israel. The sought after counselor, Ahithophel, was at his side now. So too, was the spy for David’s sake, Hushai the Archite. He came to Absalom to win his favor. Absalom questioned him on this, but Hushai was able to convince him that his allegiance was with the newly self-proclaimed leader of Israel. Now Absalom sought Ahithophel’s advice on how to proceed in their newly conquered kingdom. Ahithophel advised him to go into his father’s concubines, that he had left to take care of the house (2 Samuel 15:16), to infuriate his father and strengthen the perception that he was now the man in control of the nation. This was a demonic-divisionary tatic, but also a fulfillment of Nathan’s prophecy in his rebuke of King David post the Bathsheba/Uriah incident (2 Samuel 12:11-12). They pitched a tent on the roof for Absalom, and he had sexual relations with David’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. There is a commentary of Ahithophel’s Rasputin-like counsel in the final verse, “The advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one inquired of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel regarded by both David and Absalom (2 Samuel 16:15-23).”

-*Application* How do we handle times in our lives when we are weary and feel totally defeated? This is how David must have felt as he journeyed back into the desert of wandering and uncertainty. He did not lose faith, and he kept from retaliating in an uncommon demonstration of self-control and obedience to his Creator. Even when those around him wanted to take matters to a new level in retribution, he resigned his fate to the Master of his soul and was patient. Let’s pray that God will look upon any affliction we might be receiving and return good to us instead of cursing this day.

Verse to Memorize: 2 Samuel 16:12

Bible Study Notes in 2 Samuel- Chapter 15

2 Samuel 15

-Absalom begins his rebellion in this chapter filled with intrigue and division within David’s family. The text begins with Absalom providing for himself a chariot with horses and fifty runners who went before him. He was becoming more and more militaristic, much like he’d seen in his father’s culture. He won over the hearts of the common people of Israel by rising early and standing in the gate of the city of Jerusalem to persuade those who were coming to the king for a judgment. He would call himself their “servant” and tell them that their “claims were good and right.” But, he would defame his father’s government by insisting that “no man listens to you on the part of the king.” He would inform them that he would make a much better leader as the judge over this land. He was the self-proclaimed man of justice in the society. When people would come to him and prostrate themselves before him, “he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.” “In this manner Absalom dealt with all Israel who came to the king for judgment; so Absalom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel (2 Samuel 15:1-6).”

-After 40 years of this (some ancient versions render this 4 years, which I think is much more practical and the correct rendering), Absalom came to his father, the king, and asked him to let him go to Hebron so that he could pay a vow back to the LORD, which he had made in Geshur. He told him that he had sworn to serve the LORD while he was in Geshur if he was indeed ever brought back to Jerusalem with his family. David sent him away in peace, not really thinking anything of it. So Absalom arose and went to Hebron, where David had once ruled over Judah (2 Samuel 2:1-4, 5:5). From there he sent out spies throughout all of Israel telling them that when they heard the trumpet, they should proclaim him as their new king reigning from Hebron. 200 men went innocently from Jerusalem with Absalom without knowing anything about this conspiracy to coup. Ahithophel the Gilonite, who was David’s own counselor, was summoned from his city of Giloh while he was offering sacrifices unto the LORD. The Bible tells us that this “conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom (2 Samuel 15:7-12).” The demonic spirit of deception was at work, and the people followed along blindly.

-A messenger soon came to David and let him know that “the hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” David knew that their only hope was to arise and flee. He had been on the run certainly before in his life; he knew the routine all too well. Now he was a king in exile paying the consequences for past sins. He knew that the sword was coming against them in powerful and unmerciful force. He chose to vacate for the numbers against him were insurmountable. Discretion is the better part of valor. He realized the city would be overtaken quickly with great and violent calamity erupting in Jerusalem. So he departed eastward with full support of his servants, the priests, and the rest of his household. He only left 10 concubines behind to keep his house. A large number of supporters from different people groups left with him that had been loyal to him through the years. There is a touching episode with Ittai the Gittite who responded with compassion and dedication in following the king. While all the country who supported David were weeping with a loud voice, they passed over with the king through the Kidron valley that separates Jerusalem and Mount Zion from the Mount of Olives as one goes towards the wilderness (desert) in the east. Zadok and all the Levites came carrying the Ark of the Covenant of God, and they set it down until Abiathar came up as all the people had finished passing from the city. But the king instructed the religious leaders to return to the city with the Ark. He told them frankly, “If I find favor in the sight of the LORD, then He will bring me back again and show me both it and His habitation. But if He says thus, ‘I have no delight in you,’ behold, here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.” He then sent Zadok back as a seer in peace with his son, Ahimaaz, as well as Abiathar and his son, Jonathan. David would go to the fords of the wilderness to wait for a word from them who could report from Jerusalem. Therefore, the Ark returned to Jerusalem under the watchcare of Zadok and Abiathar and remained there. David went up to the ascent of the Mount of Olives and wept as he went. His head was covered in shame and he walked barefoot as a broken-contrite man. All the people who were with him did the same thing covering their heads and weeping as they went. A tragic lamentation. It was at this time that someone came up to the king and told him, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David’s reply was classic, “O LORD, I pray, make the counsel of Ahithophel foolishness.” And then it happened as David was coming to the summit of the Mount of Olives, where God was worshipped, that Hushai the Archite met him with his coat torn and dust all over his head from mourning. David devised a plan with Hushai at this juncture. He told him, “If you pass over with me, then you will be a burden to me. But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant,’ then you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me.” Then he let his spy know that the faithful Zadok and Abiathar were remaining there in Jerusalem with him, and that they could send their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, to tell him all that was going on from the capital. “So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:13-37).” The plot thickens.

-*Application* Loyalty and betrayal are the prominent themes from this Scripture today. Our allegiances will end up defining us as they did with the characters that we read about here. David’s recourse was always to Someone higher, more profound, wiser, and in more control. He was resigned to the Master. His brokenness shows us that pride makes excuses, while humility makes adjustments. This is a lesson for us to learn as well.

Verses to Memorize: 2 Samuel 15:6, 30-31, 37