2 Samuel 15

CHAPTER 15

Absalom’s Conspiracy (15:1–12)

1–6 In these verses, the writer describes how Absalom won the support of many Israelites in his attempt to seize his father’s throne. In particular, Absalom deceived the people coming to Jerusalem to settle their grievances by telling them they would not obtain justice from King David, but that if he, Absalom, were judge (king), they would (verse 4). In this way Absalom stole the hearts of many, if not most, of the men of Israel (verse 6).

7–12 After four years, Absalom evidently believed he had gained enough support to overthrow his father. But Absalom first needed to mobilize his supporters from outside Jerusalem, because David’s support within the city was still very strong. So Absalom asked his father if he could go to Hebron⁵⁵ to fulfill a vow he’d made while in exile in Geshur (2 Samuel 13:37).

Absalom then made plans to announce to all Israel that he had become king in Hebron (verse 10)—that is, king of Israel. Then Absalom sent for David’s own counselor, Ahithophel, who decided to support Absalom. Ahithophel was considered to be a wise counselor, so when David heard he had gone over to Absalom he asked the Lord to turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness (verse 31).

David Flees (15:13–37)

13–18 When David was told that the men of Israel supported Absalom, he chose to flee from Jerusalem rather than subject the city to a destructive attack by Absalom’s forces.⁵⁶ He set out with all the people of his household following him (verse 17), but he left ten of his concubines to take care of his palace. In so doing, he set the stage for the fulfillment of Nathan’s prophecy that Absalom would lie with [David’s] wives in broad daylight (2 Samuel 12:11; 16:21–22).

The Kerethites and Pelethites, who made up David’s royal bodyguard (2 Samuel 8:18), also went with David on his flight. In addition, six hundred Gittites, newly arrived mercenary soldiers from the Philistine city of Gath, accompanied David (verse 18). Apparently David had recently hired them for added protection.

19–22 As David was leaving Jerusalem, he spoke to Ittai, the leader of the Philistines, and told him and his men to stay in the city and serve Absalom; they didn’t need to risk their lives following him into exile. But Ittai and his men were determined to remain loyal to David and to follow him wherever he went; Ittai even swore an oath of loyalty in the Lord’s name (verse 21).

23–24 David headed east from Jerusalem, crossing the Kidron Valley; ten centuries later, the Son of David, Jesus, would cross this same valley on the night of His arrest (John 18:1). Also accompanying David were the two leading priests of Israel, Zadok and Abiathar (2 Samuel 8:17). With them were Levites carrying the ark of the covenant.

25–26 But David soon decided that the ark should be left in Jerusalem. The ark represented God’s presence, and therefore it needed to remain in the capital as a symbol of God’s rule over His people. It was God who was the real ruler of Israel, and if He wished to establish Absalom in David’s place that was up to Him. David had no right to keep the ark in his possession; it belonged to God. Furthermore, David knew that the ark wasn’t going to offer him any kind of magical protection, such as earlier Israelites had hoped for (see 1 Samuel 4:34). For all these reasons, David told Zadok to take the ark back to Jerusalem (verse 25). David was ready to submit himself totally to the Lord’s will (verse 26).

Let us also, like David, submit ourselves to God when things are going against us. We need to see God’s hand in every circumstance we encounter—whether good or evil. God controls all circumstances. If we will allow Him to control us also, He will bring us through our trial, and we shall be the better for it (Romans 8:28).

27–29 David had another reason for sending Zadok and Abiathar (and their sons) back to Jerusalem: they would be able to observe the activities of Absalom and keep David informed. “Aren’t you a seer? Aren’t you an observant man?” David asked Zadok (verse 27). David planned to wait at the fords in the desert (fords of the Jordan River) until he heard further word from Zadok and Abiathar (verse 28).

30–31 David’s household presented a sorrowful sight as they left Jerusalem and climbed up the Mount of Olives, a famous prominence just east of the city where Jesus and His disciples sometimes stayed. David and his people covered their heads in mourning, and David even went barefoot to express his grief and humiliation. Here David learned of the betrayal of his trusted counselor Ahithophel (verse 12), and he prayed that God might discredit his counsel by making it appear foolish (verse 31).

32–37 The answer to David’s prayer came in the form of Hushai the Arkite, who had been waiting for David at the summit of the Mount of Olives. Hushai also was mourning, having torn his robe and placed dust on his head. Hushai was David’s trusted friend and a member of his court. David knew that if Hushai would pretend to be loyal to Absalom, he could serve David as a spy in Absalom’s court. In particular, Hushai could “frustrate” Ahithophel’s advice by giving contradictory advice, and thus cause Ahithophel to appear foolish. As we shall see, David’s plan was successful (2 Samuel 17:1–14).