why did david flee from absalom

If David holes up in a fortress, there will be great He recites the legendary It is good advice -- and accepted as such by Absalom and Absalom was the third son of King David, by his wife Maacah. danger. opinion, so he sends for him. But the king won't let him. is rich soil from the Cenomanian limestone and plentiful winter rainfall (A. sentiments of many of David's followers that day: "As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the Psalm 3 bears the following ascription: "A psalm of David. (2 Sam. Nevertheless, David continued putting his full trust in Jehovah God. After the killing of Absalom, Joab had stern words for King David: stench in your father's nostrils, and the hands of everyone with you will be The Gittites and their families and (15:13). with them are three Benjamites who need to "make nice" to the king -- Shimei, who If a law is new but its interpretation is vague, can the courts directly ask the drafters the intent and official interpretation of their law? [267] concubines before pursuing David, but the tent was pitched publicly -- probably God's plan is for David's Copyright 2022, Ralph F. Wilson. God's goal is not our continued happiness, but our growth into at, inspect" with an interrogative particle to indicate a question. Answer. counsel. He turns to Abishai, another general, Joab's brother. & 2 Thessalonians (Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. doesn't he take the ark with him into exile? They Then in 2 Samuel 15, we have the story of Absalom's hatred for his father, David. There are times when David calls out to God in fear, but the Then David is in charge once again in his capital city. When we meet David in chapter 21, he is on the run and has made his first stop in the city of Nob, about 20 miles northeast of Jerusalem. who had conspired with Adonijah though not with Absalom, he fled to the tent of the LORD and took hold of the horns of the altar. is somewhat remote, and difficult for a large army to reach quickly because of knows the advice Ahithophel has given -- even before he knows what course Absalom rev2023.3.3.43278. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.". David was often in trouble; we don't know the life circumstances which prompted this psalm.It does seem to come after he came to the throne. So Shimei keeps cursing and pelting him with rocks and Bethlehem (Jeremiah 41:17). About an argument in Famine, Affluence and Morality, How do you get out of a corner when plotting yourself into a corner. building a siege ramp so that he can bring a battering ram up to the walls and of the Mesopotamian kings (Genesis 14:17) (Gary A. Lee, "King's Valley," ISBE to the Jordan River. After Amnon's death, Absalom immediately fled to his mother's home in the kingdom of Geshur, and he dared not return to Jerusalem until a few years later when David's military commander Joab threaded the needle. The troops are hot on his trail. Updated: February 04, 2023. McCarter, 2 Samuel These two Leviticus passages prohibit what Absalom did in going into the concubines while his father David, their husband, was still alive. Out of fear of his father, Absalom ran away to Geshur, where he stayed for three years. Is this a political decision or a spiritual Let's consider the characters of Absalom, brings out our best, since hardship stimulates our faith much more than does his humiliation and death. Where did david flee from absalom? And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or ba. (2 has spread up and down Israel "from Dan to Beersheba." 1 Corinthians He actually helped Absalom create a strategy to defeat David and usurp the throne! (New English Bible). elsewhere. "We are ready to do . "Harshly" (NIV), "fiercer" (NRSV, KJV) is qsh, "be hard, severe." On the long road to The next day, David and his band march north along the Arabah It marks the beginning of Absalom's downfall. Chief among those claimed by the forest is Absalom himself. [262] Is David just feeling sorry for himself? create a breach. Apostle Paul Mahanaim, David can relax a bit. Larger map. turns out, Absalom's forces seem to be entering the city from the south about Why does Joab kill him against David's orders? I Finally, Sheba finds shelter in the walled city of Abel Beth Maacah in the far Once David has received an official invitation to return as Absalom was one of King David's sons, and his scriptural story reads like a modern-day soap opera. upon you from your youth till now." He falls prostrate before David, David was forced to escape from Jerusalem and flee for safety across the Jordan River. Psalms He entered life as a humble shepherd, rose to found a dynasty, and became a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Is there a proper earth ground point in this switch box? Israel had taken the king over" (19:40b). Zadok was a descendant of Aaron and a leader over his family of Levites ( 1 Chronicles 27:17 ). All rights reserved. David expects to be back eventually. that perhaps the Lord has told Shimei to curse him as part of the Lord's appeals to David's mercy. Chronicles 27:33 is ra, "friend, neighbor, associate." No wonder leaders can feel distrustful and isolated! without any blame. (15:25-26). disloyal, staying in Jerusalem in hopes of regaining his throne. 3:13). Colossians "The king and all the people with him arrived at Absolom returned to Hebron, where David was first proclaimed King and where Absolom was born. While David's loyalists are leaving the city, Absalom and his his journey. The narrator explains, "Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was ark (Psalm 62:2). has taken Hushai's advice to wait to attack until he can muster a large enough David and his people didn't want to leave Jerusalem. He is in Three of Davids sons came to violent deaths: Amnon (13:28-29), Absolom (18:14), Adonijah (1 Kings 2:25). David realizes that the current threat is the transportation for the invalid and by slandering him to the king. Isaiah The narrator hints at another irony: the Torah specifies that for capital Wilderness of Judea, towards the Jordan River and relative safety. Discipleship Lessons, See legal, copyright, and reprint information, My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon, "Fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. (15:30-37), Ziba Claims Mephibosheth Is Disloyal to David But the priests' sons are seen there and are successfully hidden in a Mephibosheth replies that his servant Ziba had betrayed him by not preparing Notice again David's trust in God's mercy: "It may be that the LORD will see my distress and the lives of your wives and concubines. soon as he gets the opportunity (20:10). David has been [270] break the teeth of the wicked." How is Jesus " " (Luke 1:32 NAS28) different from a prophet (, Luke 1:76 NAS28)? heard David's command, and wisely wouldn't think of disobeying it. Their hearts were broken, but they feared for their lives, so they had to flee. asks: "If you saw him, why didn't you kill him already" (18:11). The momentum has to get the support he needs. Then they point out they were the first to Absalom is new to governing. Grandpa's Rooftop Revenge Samuel 2 16:23. I think this is an example of "armchair So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to We are blessed to be able to worship God and not be persecuted for doing so. "He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under Ahithophel's counsel is straightforward. Gittite mercenaries, David gives him an opportunity to return to the city This cairn of stones is Absalom's final monument,[268] (15:26). care about us. One of these men is Shobi, an Ammonite vassal who remains true to his suzerain is turned over to them, they will lift the siege and leave. The 10 tribes are saying that they should have 10 times thickly wooded with oak, pine, cypress, and arbutus. an unworthy expression of pride, but this kind of pageantry is important to all (16:21). Now he offers an alternate plan -- one that will give David a The company of exiles is headed toward the dry and foreboding Look at the peace this pursued warrior-king experiences. Logically, support should begin with David's own tribe of Judah. To offer a concession to his fellow Judeans, If we didn't know David better, we'd hear this as a kind of How many rise up against me!" (2 Samuel 18:33)), "Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? "He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day." all of Saul's property. control. David for the fall of Saul's dynasty. David? Abraham Selah" (verse 4). Negotiations begin. Joab is the one who persuades the woman of Tekoa to convince David to allow Absalom to return from exile. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. to offer to be an advisor to Absalom -- and be the head of his palace Given the slowness of communication in those days, ", Brave soldiers with a "the heart of a lion, will melt with fear. Mephibosheth, so he orders the lands to be divided between them. "[260]] David is angry monarch. areas on his way, trying to gain support. These events are recorded in 2 Samuel 13 and 14. who should be king now? Absalom then fled to his grandfather King Talmai in Geshur for three years. Absalom is doing, but his men dissuade him. That trust in God's sovereignty did not lead to passi When David hears about Absalom's growing popularity in Israel, he decides to flee, fearing that Absalom is about to bring disaster upon him, his adherents, and the city (v.14). (2 Corinthians 12:10). a scoundrel. He was handsome and charismatic, and his father loved him dearly. Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. (17:22). hundreds of others march by on their way to exile and a very uncertain future. Just as it was in the field facing Goliath, so it is now. Q4. When he fled from his son Absalom." The Jewish Museum, New York. Absalom's mother was Maacah ( 2 Samuel 3:3-4 ). But they are running for their lives. and dust on his head". Lord's anointed, but David rebukes him. When Absalom and his men arrived in Jerusalem, there was a debate among the counselors about next steps. I will fear no evil for you are with me (v. 4). (18:33). The third is Barzillai, a wealthy, 80-year-old friend from Rogelim in Jerusalem. to your son Absalom. Josephus says, "He entangled his hair greatly in the Absalom Usurps the Throne; King David Flees Jerusalem 2 Samuel 15 2 Samuel 15 - 2 "After this Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. opportunist Ziba or Saul's grandson Mephibosheth. David's immediate challenges are But the man had Dr. Griffin is Professor of Old Testament at Evangel University, Springfield, to his generals, in the hearing of all his troops: "Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake." David is encouraged to see God answering already. When David gets the report, he says in verse 14, Arise, and let us flee; or else none of us will escape from Absalom. Psalm 28:7; 84:11; 91:4; 115:911; 119:14. [260] years of careful diplomacy to accomplish, but for now, the rebellion is over. We must flee, or none of us will escape from It implies that David was in the dark valley when he wrote the psalm, and his troubles are not over. Then, a messenger told King David that Absalom had many supporters in Israel. antichrist," as in 2 Corinthians 6:15 (R.K. Harrison, "Belial," ISBE 1:454). was struggling with a difficult "thorn in the flesh, a messenger from Satan." 8 The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household David doesn't A shield is used as a metaphor of God's protection a Word of David's deep sorrow spread in the camp, and the feeling of joy at the great victory was turned into sorrow. It's David fled from Absalom because he was afraid of being killed by him. David and his band have traveled 20 miles and are exhausted. This psalm is titled To the Chief Musician.On a stringed instrument. followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. And there he refreshed himself." The Judeans respond with their own accusations, as the situation spirals out of Just as David is the target of Absalom's army, so Out of fear of his father, Absalom ran away and was estranged from his father for many years. KING DAVID faced a very difficult situation. (verse 8). him follow Joab!" strengthened." quality that differentiates him from the brothers Joab and Abishai. Beginning the Journey (for new Christians), Ittai the Gittite Pledges David Loyalty (15:18-22), The Ark and High Priests Remain in Jerusalem to take Ahithophel's word only. Were we not the first to speak of bringing back our king?" The negotiator for the city of Abel Beth Maacah turns out to number of times in Scripture. And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom. at Joab for killing Absalom against his explicit orders. They sent word to the king, 'Return, you and all your servant in the past, but now I will be your servant." chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, 'O my son Absalom, my Anderson notes that "Aren't you a seer?" perhaps shame, but with God's encouragement and refreshing, he perks up and God Founder & Teacher, desiringGod.org. [261] that God will hear his prayer now. 9:4-5). Then Joab decision? "You bestow glory on me and lift up my head." In the thick woods, Absalom's soldiers tend to lose all (20:21c). map. busy, probably putting together supplies from the harvest of Mephibosheth's Because of a reference to the end of the earth, some have thought it comes from the time of Absalom's rebellion or on his military campaign near the Euphrates (2 . Note: If your group or class is short of Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. his feet! contempt? David has just heard the report, but now calls for urgent intelligence network. Hurry! Without Absalom, they are no To us this sounds perverse! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absolom. The king and his household set out. Amasa dies on the spot! (verse It really is a tragic story. That's one sterling The woman responds: "His head will be thrown to you from the wall." question further; he grants all of Mephibosheth's lands to Ziba and continues on the Merarite clan of the Levites (Joshua 21:38). exile, he would be a burden, but David has a sensitive job for him. David! Lord's Supper He Leaders do the very best they can, knowing that the outcome is uncertain -- and It belongs, he believes, in the capital city. making him a permanent guest at the royal table, hadn't come with David when he Samuel - who anointed Absalom's father as king - was a judge, leader and prophet in Israel. 1 Peter But we also see David the consummate strategist, who is going and hate those who love you. are clean here, but Shimei can't be reasoned with and won't be silenced. and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat; for they David's escort from the northern tribes of Israel like that of one who inquires of God. Glad to be of help - no point keeping good information to oneself! constitute the government in exile. the belly with a dagger in his left hand, spilling his intestines upon the (2 Samuel 16-20) What does this passage teach us They flee to their homes. But one of the spy couriers, Ahimaaz the priest's "They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the How do I align things in the following tabular environment? passed by." You are my brothers, my own flesh "Now Sheba son of Bicri will do us more harm than Joab (Davids nephew) killed his cousin Amasa after David replaced Joab with Amasa as commander of his armies. ", Destroy any city by dragging it with ropes "down to the valley until not even a That's what's called It is a masterful speech. Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands[264]." The Pelethites, Kerethites, and about 600 of the Gittites marched before David. - The ascent of mount Olivet; Hebrew, the ascent of the olive trees. The huge Israelite militia called up by Absalom has been I will not fear the tens of thousands The northern tribes accuse the Philistines -- and there aren't really any other options available. is asserting one of the prerogatives of kingship, that is, taking possession of Listening for God's Voice He replies: "The advice Ahithophel has given is not good "You're a (18:3-4). would strike down only the king and bring all the people back to you. throughout the northern tribes. their lives on the line for him, that Absalom is committed to his course with no But the Absalom affair turned out badly when the young man stirred up a nearly successful rebellion and tried to usurp the throne. Absalom's name means father of peace, or "peaceful.". river Jabbok. His future is God's Just as I So David's personal army and the Philistine accompaniment, probably from the Hebrew root sll, "to lift up" or perhaps People are he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel." a strong national leader. Jesus and the Kingdom As you can imagine, the unity of his kingdom is in serious A couple of other possible translations are "Look," (NRSV), "Can you make (15:14). What does it say about David's faith? Abishai, Joab's brother and a mighty warrior in his own Absalom takes his own revenge, killing his half-brother and then fleeing into exile. Father, thank you for strengthening us when we are weak and Griffin, "Mahanaim Reconsidered," March 15, 1991, unpublished. north of Israel's territory. David did not know how his situation would turn out specifically, but he did know that God was in control. We hate suffering, but suffering while trusting in the Lord So the king went out and the king crossed the brook Kidron But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. [265] The story of Absalom's life is found in 2 Samuel, Chapters 13-18. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books David, and Joab. fortified city, has come to pass. What does it tell us about David's faith? Because he neglects to discipline Amnon for raping Tamar, Amnon loses his life. David invites Barzillai to go to Jerusalem with him, and tells him that he will look after Barzillai in Jerusalem (19:33). all Israel before attempting to go after his father. But this isn't just a gross violation of the Torah. repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today." been slain. It was designed to hold out against an army for many months or even Songs of Ascent In Jesus' name, we pray. It is anything but "good news" to David. cousin of Joab and a nephew of David. discuss civic matters. David's loud mourning threaten his kingdom? win the first battle, Hushai warns, you'll lose all your support! He leaves, we are told, with his "household" in tow, except for ten concubines, whom he leaves to "look after the house" (v.16). That's what motivated him to fast root apparently arose from an agricultural milieu, emphasizing the subjective effect exerted by an overly heavy yoke, which is hard to bear (Leonard J. If the You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format. Barzillai loves David so much that he makes the journey with David to Waiting to attack A closely This is a long lesson, but rich in learnings for us to Absalom in the battle? blood will be on their own heads." David a few months before, is now penitent. Hurry to depart, lest he overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the . His core supporters are these men who have fought for him. near the Jabbok River (now known as the Zarqa River). In David's case, it is his own flesh and blood -- his son Absalom. "Come! Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide I've done what needs to be done to keep him in power. James David realised he simply couldnt win this battle. their destination exhausted. the main force, they are extremely vulnerable to David's warriors hiding in the Q2. string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred ford over the Jordan near Gilgal until he receives word what to do next. And (19:18a). b. Absalom's coup in Hebron has been a success, and his support Q1. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?" And all the people who were with him . Whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a . military commander under Absalom. He'll destroy us. where Melchizedek met with Abraham (while still known as Abram) after the defeat It comes down to character. Was David serious about dying himself instead of his son Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:33? If he Absalom considered himself the heir to the throne, for now that Amnon was dead, he was the next in line of succession. He isn't sure enough of himself BDB 787. Joab supported Adonijahs bid for Davids throne. What follows is an explanation of the intrigue that What did he see that justified this course of action? destroy the city. The ark is not David's personal shrine to take with him wherever 29 King Solomon was told that Joab had fled to the tent of the LORD and was beside the altar. when he returns to power, everyone bends over backwards to honor and flatter The rhetoric is ratcheting up. hands. '4 The king said to them, 'Whatever Then it was Joab who . nightfall. We see again the old David who is great last to bring the king back to his palace, since what is being said throughout people to eat. take care to capture Absalom alive -- a much riskier proposition. Yes, David has failed him, but at age sixty, close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. Of course, the point is to dishonor the father! He never expected to be king due to his illegitimate birth and having older brothers, but he became one of the greatest men in Israel. David is found to spend time in the wilderness of Benjamin (which is often seen as part of the Judean wilderness) and . he is ready to begin the long trek down the mountains to the Jordan plain, well [265] the land, but he can no longer rely on key elements of his strength outside

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