Today I read 2 Samuel 15, in which Absalom revolts against David by winning over people and calling himself king. David, his household, servants, refugees, and others flee for their safety. Today I considered that Absalom won some but not all of the people. You can only have total victory if God is with you.
Absalom’s Conspiracy
Absalom set things in motion against David but did not win everyone, some people were still loyal to David (2 Samuel 15:1-37). Absalom won the hearts of people by standing at the gate, greeting them when they came for judgment, and saying the king did not appoint anyone to hear their case but he believed in their case. In David’s 40th year of reigning, Absalom said he was going to Hebron to worship God. Absalom took 200 people with him, who did not know what was about to happen, and declared himself king. David was told about Absalom’s actions and that the heart of the people was with Absalom. David had his household and servants pack up and flee across the brook Kidron toward the wilderness. David leaves a few servants to take care of the house and had Zadok and Abiathar take the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. David reminded Zadok he is a seer, David told Zadok to tell him when he can return. David and others with him went up mount Olivet crying, head covered, and barefoot. Someone told David Ahithophel was with Absalom and David prayed Ahithophel’s counsel would turn into stupidity. Hushai came to David but David sent him back to spy on Absalom then tell Zadok and Abiathar the information. Zadok’s and Abiathar’s sons would relay the information to David. David left but he left behind loyal people in place to help him.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
When I think of Absalom, I think of someone who probably resented David and was patient enough to plan his next actions against any opponent or enemy he faced. He probably resented David for not protecting his sister like the law required. David did nothing instead of following the law. Absalom planned and killed Amnon two years later for harming his sister. He probably resented David for how he acted when Absalom came back. Absalom was more or less under house arrest for two years before he was free. Then, Absalom was patient and strategic enough to win the hearts of people before taking action to declare himself king. Absalom won people but not all of the people.
What do you think about some people being for Absalom and some being for David? How does this apply to your everyday life?