Category: Biblical Reflections

Ahimaaz longed to take news of the vengeance taken on David's enemies.  Joab sent the Cushite instead, but allowed Ahimaaz to run with him.  He outran the Cushite and gave David the news that God had delivered up those who raised their hand against the king.  He asked about Absalom, but Ahimaaz did not know … Continue reading David Mourns the Death of Absalom (2 Samuel 18:19 – 19:8)

Hushai set up messengers to tell David to flee across the Jordan.  They evaded the men of Absalom and went to David and warned him.  By morning, all the people with David had crossed the Jordan.  Once Ahithophel saw that Absalom did not heed his advice, he went to his house and hanged himself.  Absalom … Continue reading The End of Absalom (2 Samuel 17:15 – 18:18)

Absalom came into Jerusalem and was greeted by Hushai.  Absalom questioned his loyalty, and Hushai pledged his allegiance to Absalom.  This seemed to satisfy Absalom, and he asked Ahithophel's advice as to what to do next.  Ahithophel told Absalom to have sex with all of David's concubines, showing his dominance over David.  Then all of … Continue reading Ahithophel v. Hushai (2 Samuel 16:15 – 17:14)

As David was a little past the top of the mountain, he was met by Ziba, Mephibosheth's servant, who provided food and drink for David's household and young men to eat and drink.  David asked where Mephibsheth was, and Ziba said that he stayed in Jerusalem in hopes that Absalom would restore his father's kingdom … Continue reading Ziba and Shimei (2 Samuel 16:1 – 14)

A messenger told David of Absalom's treason, and he called all his servants to leave Jerusalem.  They submitted to his instructions, and they all left with David except some concubines to keep the house.  They all passed by David on their way out.  They all crossed over the Brook Kidron and wept, including a foreigner, … Continue reading (2 Samuel 15:13 – 37)

Absalom was a handsome man, with a beautiful family, and he longed to be restored to his father, King David.  He called on Joab to help him, but Joab would not speak to him for the two years Absalom was in Jerusalem.  So Absalom sent his servants to burn Joab's field.  Joab confronted him about … Continue reading Absalom’s Restoration; Absalom’s Treason (2 Samuel 14:25 – 15:12)

Absalom left David and went to Geshur to avoid punishment for killing Amnon.  He stayed away 3 years.  David missed Absalom and was comforted by his people concerning Amnon. Joab knew that David longed for Absalom's return, but did not pursue him.  Joab, seeking to help, sent a woman from Tekoa to tell him a … Continue reading Absalom Flees; Absalom Returns (2 Samuel 13:34 – 14:24)

Absalom had an outing in Baal Hazor with his sheepshearers.  He invited the king and his sons, but David declined, not wanting to be a burden to Absalom.  Absalom asked for him to allow Amnon to attend with him, and David consented.  Absalom instructed his servants to strike Amnon when he got drunk.  Once Amnon … Continue reading Absalom Kills His Guilty Brother (2 Samuel 13:23-33)

Joab took the Royal City of Ammon.  He sent messengers to David to ask for additional assistance to take the rest of Ammon.  David came ands fought against Ammon, and captured the king, and wore his crown.  He took the people of Ammon and put them to work as servants. Absalom, the son of David, … Continue reading Incest Brings Division (2 Samuel 12:26 – 13:22; 1 Chronicles 20:1 – 3)

After the death of David's illegitimate son with Bathsheba, David comforted his wife, and had relations with her.  She became pregnant, and had a son who she named Solomon.  The Scripture said that the Lord loved him, and that He sent word to David and Bathsheba by the prophet Nathan, so they also called him … Continue reading The Next Stage (2 Samuel 12:24-25)