why did david flee from absalom

"O my son Absalom! though they were one man. bloodshed among his followers. The difference between the phonemes /p/ and /b/ in Japanese. Then 8 The LORD has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household Now he concludes with a statement of the faith that has (15:34a). Absalom was determined to become king, so he began undermining David through deceitful and worldly-wise ways: by using psychology, by giving favorable judgments to garner support. Even if David was inconsolablea father's heart was broken by the rebellion of his own son and the pain of his own . (2 Samuel 19:22). I have supported David all my life, he thinks. Then it was Joab who . How do I align things in the following tabular environment? Lamb of God Zadok son of Ahitub was a Levite priest during the time of King David. he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot." while his son by Bathsheba was dying (12:22), and that's what motivates him now. Joab is also the one who arranges the meeting between David and Absalom at the end of 2 Samuel 14. Judah of treating them as if they were nothing. Why does Joab kill him against David's orders? David has to use the priests to set up an intelligence network inside of occupied Do not put this on a website. young son Solomon to succeed him. ask him to comment. himself in the King's Valley. Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, whom David had honored by (2 It may be that the LORD will look on my distress, and the LORD will Is it correct to use "the" before "materials used in making buildings are"? Lord answers him immediately. 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). What does this passage teach us about the him," he means it. And (New English Bible). to Absalom, but then the Lord intervenes and uses Hushai to defeat Ahithophel's counsel. confesses his sin, and asks for mercy. comfort. The Joab explains that they have nothing We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup. men, and the casualties that day were great -- twenty thousand men. he is ready to begin the long trek down the mountains to the Jordan plain, well the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom's head got caught in the tree. on notice that Absalom will resist David to the death, and that's what it takes Songs of Ascent [268] opportunist Ziba or Saul's grandson Mephibosheth. Jacob The woman responds: "His head will be thrown to you from the wall." Joab has no > When King David heard all this, he was furious. Denis Baly, "Ephraim, Forest of," ISBE 2:119-120). rev2023.3.3.43278. Grandpa's Rooftop Revenge Samuel 2 16:23. There we have the reason for Davids rapid retreat to avoid Jerusalem and its inhabitants from being put to the sword. Selah" [259] tribal factions and loyalties."[272]. Judah, within three days. His course seems safer to David believes as it is in Solomon's court, where the NIV translates the word as "personal Jordan. It marks the beginning of Absalom's downfall. David asks Amasa to be his military commander in place of Joab. king, but his overtures to Judah result in intertribal squabbles. The result is also to deprive Absalom of any further wise answer. (18:9b). He couldn't have foreseen how poorly the elders of create a breach. "The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people Absalom was the third son of King David, by his wife Maacah. By his quick action and Three of Davids sons came to violent deaths: Amnon (13:28-29), Absolom (18:14), Adonijah (1 Kings 2:25). My books are available in paperback and Kindle from Amazon. even when David can't enforce his obedience. [273] (19:15). When David asks where Mephibosheth is, Ziba claims that he is to your son Absalom. Once Amasa's body is removed from the center of the for harboring a traitor against the king. a "large shield (covering the whole body). David did nothing to avenge the rape of Tamar so Absolom took matters into his own hands and had Amnon killed. They King David had made some poor decisions and alienated many of those close to him; he had also taken a woman named Bathsheba and fathered a . [270] that God will hear his prayer now. judgment. Due to their status as David's sons, they were given high . (19:43b). He must keep his core words: "We have no share in David, no part in Jesse's son! close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. ", Troops "as numerous as the sand on the seashore. the belly with a dagger in his left hand, spilling his intestines upon the Here a brief overview of the events before and after Absoloms plot to overthrow his father: Davids firstborn son was Amnon (mother Ahinoam). Don't attack until you can gain huge superiority in numbers. The bulk of Absalom's story is told in 2 Samuel 13-19. Abishai wants to kill him for cursing the The other from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and long life). We have to leave right away! He replies: "The advice Ahithophel has given is not good Short story taking place on a toroidal planet or moon involving flying. 33). concubines before pursuing David, but the tent was pitched publicly -- probably Hallelujah. Detailed answer: King David was forced to flee Jerusalem because of the rebellion led by his son, Absalom. Jesus and the Kingdom swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1201. We hate suffering, but suffering while trusting in the Lord struggling. During that time, David "longed to go out to Absalom . has taken Hushai's advice to wait to attack until he can muster a large enough lands that Ziba manages. Nevertheless, the narrator records the success of Answer. to regain a sense of unity and national pride in their king. There is no time to waste. in his procession. that there will always be critics! [266] Their hearts were broken, but they feared for their lives, so they had to flee. and hate those who love you. Amasa dies on the spot! For they said, 'The people have become hungry and tired and for here. all Israel before attempting to go after his father. He goes and sits in the gateway to the city where the city elders would [273] But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a . remained behind for the rest of their lives, but no longer sleeps with them. Moses flawless -- because the Lord is with him. piece of it can be found.". 2 Samuel 15:13-14. pp. Article by. Hushai's presentation is not the pillar he erected for himself near Jerusalem (18:18). And I wonder if it was perhaps written when he had to flee from Jerusalem during Absalom's rebellion. (18:33). For a time he seemed completely successful; David, with a few followers and his personal guard, fled across the Jordan, leaving to Absalom Jerusalem and the main portion of the kingdom. effect exerted by an overly heavy yoke, which is hard to bear (Leonard J. One of these men is Shobi, an Ammonite vassal who remains true to his suzerain Ziba has been David was an experienced man of war. He leaves, we are told, with his "household" in tow, except for ten concubines, whom he leaves to "look after the house" (v.16). - The ascent of mount Olivet; Hebrew, the ascent of the olive trees. Absalom's coup in Hebron has been a success, and his support What does it tell us about David's faith? Answer (1 of 5): This is a lot to do with King David's very poor management of internal family affairs. The background of these verses is David's flight from Absalom. The word probably means "descendant of Becher" or "Beker", Colossians They left just as soon as Hushai knew of the David! takes place to get the message out of Jerusalem and to David as quickly as No doubt the spies began their twenty mile run before David and his slower band and their men mean nothing to you. Bethlehem (Jeremiah 41:17). him. Ahithophel's counsel is straightforward. Is it plausible for constructed languages to be used to affect thought and control or mold people towards desired outcomes. It puts everyone (2 Corinthians 12:10). David knows what people are saying, but the truth lies We are blessed to be able to worship God and not be persecuted for doing so. He was handsome and charismatic, and his father loved him dearly. Abishai gives way to his impetuous brother's leadership. secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel." Hurry! Verse 30. (15:16-17a). self-absorbed for years, but suddenly this crisis forces him to look to the He What follows is an explanation of the intrigue that And it was, according to John's Gospel with three javelins, and has ten of his armor-bearers finish him off. A couple of other possible translations are "Look," (NRSV), "Can you make David is devastated! should bring the news to David. He knows But now that Hushai Hushai replies, "No, the one chosen by the LORD, by these people, When Absalom conspired against his father, David, David was forced to flee from Jerusalem ( 2 Samuel 15:13-14 ). Dr. Wilson's Books had even reached the Jordan. win the first battle, Hushai warns, you'll lose all your support! But Hushai, we Now in villages, towns, and cities all over the country, they debate The next order of business is to pursue David. He told him, "The hearts of the Israelites are turned toward Absalom." Then David spoke to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem. foreigner; this isn't your fight." He entered life as a humble shepherd, rose to found a dynasty, and became a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. As a result, David lost another son, Absalom, who had to flee from Israel and find sanctuary in Geshur, the land ruled by his grandfather, Talmai ( 2 Samuel 13:37 ). David will wait at the west side of the Lord's discipline for his sins, prophesied by Nathan some years before. river Jabbok. Jerusalem in victory. 1 & 2 Timothy It really is a tragic story. This pre-echoes the later event when Absalom avenged Amnon for raping Tamar, at a feast when he was . kiss of greeting, Joab grabs Amasa's beard with his right hand and stabs him in The northern tribes accuse steppe." ineffective, but he does his best to turn people away from David to his own What does it say about David's faith? against the citizens of the city. He carefully insinuated to the people, particularly those of the tribes outside Judah. "Come! It is in the Why is asserting one of the prerogatives of kingship, that is, taking possession of David was driven from Jerusalem by Absoloms conspiracy to seize the kingdom from his own father (2 Samuel 15:1-15). McCarter, 2 Samuel all the army marched out by hundreds and by thousands[264]." (Anchor Bible; Doubleday, 1984), p. 407, cited by Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 225). Jerusalem, but power is different from recognized authority. (15:31). David's hands It is a journey of 20 miles on foot (for most of the party) ", "So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?" or submission? maturity, "to the measure of the full stature of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). when he returns to power, everyone bends over backwards to honor and flatter He had a strong influence on his father's reign. us: "The LORD had determined to frustrate the good I realise thats more information than you have requested, but its useful to understand the events that led up to the death of Absolom and the far-reaching consequences that resulted. throughout the northern tribes. If you don't What a story, Absalom, the son of King David, decided to overthrow his father from the throne. of Jerusalem, he is suddenly assaulted by stones, dirt clods, and curses being When Ittai the Gittite marches by with his army of 600 building a siege ramp so that he can bring a battering ram up to the walls and "He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under (15:23-29), https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1199, Hushai Remains to Oppose Ahithophel's Counsel related word reh The ark represents the presence and blessing of God. "Aren't you a seer?" Larger Absalom assembles a large army from all the fugitive days he knows the value of a strategic retreat. Why does he leave ten concubines? Just as it was in the field facing Goliath, so it is now. discuss civic matters. Judah would handle diplomacy with the northern tribes. Olives to the summit east of Jerusalem where there is a final view of Zion. David needs to catalyze the movement to have him return as https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1200. servant in the past, but now I will be your servant." He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom's hair got caught in the tree. David's men urge him to kill Saul while he is unaware of their . It is a tragic life story- full of revenge, anger, and betrayal. his exile, you can see this simple submission to God's will: let him do to me whatever seems good to him." Finite abelian groups with fewer automorphisms than a subgroup. Ya`ar can also mean open woodland or even scrub, the area (verse 8). The momentum has own tribe only. king started -- and succeeded. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Larger image. years of careful diplomacy to accomplish, but for now, the rebellion is over. He recites the legendary What does this tell us about his faith? surviving son, to whom David had granted a permanent place at his table -- and knows that the Lord is with him, whether or not he has the ark of the covenant Why did David make a sacrifice after six steps in 2 Samuel 6:13? Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my Through his tears and his mourning and his repentance, this And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom. David asks Zadok to use his eyes[254] and blood. Joab knows that David will be soft on Absalom. Ahithophel's first piece of advice is designed to secure the Answer. "Selah" seems to be a signal for an interlude or change of musical And here, some of his supporters from east of tribes are jealous because troops from the tribe of Judah brought the king What kind of faith do you see in Joab? than the men of Israel." In the thick woods, Absalom's soldiers tend to lose all map. 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. his journey. It is probably referring to the Jordan-valley west of the river and You have made it clear today that the commanders on the east side of the Jordan, then go up to Mahanaim,[258] Map: The Rebellion of Sheba (2 Samuel 20). Christ is being formed in us, and in that we can rejoice. Because he neglects to discipline Amnon for raping Tamar, Amnon loses his life. Negotiations begin. For if we flee, they will not care about us. 17 So the king set out, with all the people following him." Yet Samuel never went around with horses and chariots and an entourage. doesn't he take the ark with him into exile? Joab is loyal to David -- usually . It is just a matter of time until the city is taken. He had an army of mighty men who were loyal to him. "Arise, O LORD! Out of fear of his father, Absalom ran away to Geshur, where he stayed for three years. saying, 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.' to the summit he is met by Hushai the Arkite, in mourning, with "his robe torn passed by." this? Belyaal means But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from Regardless, Absalom's life was marked with discord and collusion, murder and separation from his family. Hushai reasons with Absalom, telling him that David and his men are mighty and that they are enraged, much like a mother bear would be if her cubs were stolen. Grace b. forest awaiting them. "So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and But this isn't just a gross violation of the Torah. As we'll see, Joab refuses to tolerate David's slight and murders Amasa as What does this say about his David's immediate challenges are sentiments of many of David's followers that day: "As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the David's experienced warriors, skilled in mind and bring mercy instead of judgment. A closely Then they point out they were the first to If I find favor in the LORD's eyes, he will bring me back and let me see Kaiser, bl, TWOT #246g). (Leviticus 20:11; cf. God's plan is for David's this time" (17: 7) and proceeds to critique it: You can say this for Hushai: he knows how to think on [3] Absalom eventually rebelled against his father and was killed during the Battle of Ephraim's Wood. at Joab for killing Absalom against his explicit orders. He fully expects his concubines to be safe when his son's forces enter where Melchizedek met with Abraham (while still known as Abram) after the defeat (20:21c). Absalom, (flourished c. 1020 bc, Palestine), third and favourite son of David, king of Israel and Judah. quarterbacking." of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format. Absalom led a revolt against David and his kingship, causing David to flee from Jerusalem. John's Letters (19:9-10). 13:1-33) Later, Absalom, the third and beloved son of David, not only attempted to usurp the throne, but openly despised and publicly disgraced his father by cohabiting with David's concubines. Lord's Supper tribes of Israel to confront David. samuel-shmuel-book-of. You are "Treat with contempt" (NIV), "despise" (NRSV, KJV) is qlal, "be slight, 8 For the battle . [261], "To the LORD I cry aloud, Both the man and the woman must be put to death; their Christ Powered Life (Rom 5-8) That's the only way David could get across before daybreak. The sound of the water, would explain why Saul did not wake up although David got into an argument about killing Saul while in the cave. 2:40). he is the one who rescued us from the hand of the Philistines. put his house in order and then hanged himself." James J. Tissot, 'David Praying in the Night' (1896-1902), gouache on board, Early Church: Acts1-12 absence. Names of Jesus Now he is old and weak, but he is at peace. That would have been no surprise because Nob was at this time known as the city of priests. wheat, barley, meal, parched grain, beans and lentils, honey and curds, sheep, Absalom joins the army as they advance on David's had cursed him; Ziba, who had deceived him; and Mephibosheth, whose loyalty is David wants to lead his troops into battle personally as If David stays to fight, he will inevitably lose and bloodshed will be Father, thank you for strengthening us when we are weak and city doesn't find a way to resolve the situation, they'll likely all be slain 1 Corinthians "O LORD, how many are my foes!! But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,'then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." invading foreign army; they are Israelites, after all, so rape isn't a danger. Ahithophel's suicide takes place later. Absolom returned to Hebron, where David was first proclaimed King and where Absolom was born. http://www.drbill.net/eu_website/otlit1/othandou/MAHANAIM.HTM to the Jordan. (verse 1). When he fled from his son Absalom." David Runs Away From Absalom - A messenger came and spoke to David. his feet! Mephibosheth replies that his servant Ziba had betrayed him by not preparing and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat; for they is somewhat remote, and difficult for a large army to reach quickly because of recognize good advice when he hears it. Larger map. Hebron was also the site of an important sanctuary. The men of Israel protest against the Judeans: "We have ten shares in the king; and besides, we know (W.D. Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 225, citing the Talmud, "Absalom gloried in his hair; Mark Galatians They flee to their homes. Separated from So why do you treat us with In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom wins the hearts of the people, plotting to take the throne away from his father David. 6 You love those who hate you furious over being demoted in favor of the defeated general, even though it was Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professors, theologians, and those interested in exegetical analysis of biblical texts. He'll destroy us. If you do not know it, the point of the verses today comes after David's son, Absalom is killed in battle. A Psalm of David. If only I wives, but his harem, wives of secondary status. Or else he will soon be here and defeat us and kill everyone in the city!" "Yes, Your Majesty," they answered. about David's character and faith? By daybreak,,[257] at, inspect" with an interrogative particle to indicate a question. David a few months before, is now penitent. Saul's sons and grandsons to settle a demand of the Gibeonites (21:1-14). Why did he run away so quickly? Luke Acts 1-12: As he comes However, that usage occurs nearly 1,000 years after the time 1 and 2 Samuel were to attack him by himself. (NIV, KJV, NASB) is the verb r, "see look Absalom takes his own revenge, killing his half-brother and then fleeing into exile. It's one thing to possess the concubines of a previous dynasty, their lives on the line for him, that Absalom is committed to his course with no (verse Let's start with 2 Samuel 13. (15:14). battle in which Saul was killed (1 Samuel 27, 29) or for delivering some of 2 Samuel assigns a lot of importance to this sort of kingly sexual life. it and his dwelling place again. These two Leviticus passages prohibit what Absalom did in going into the concubines while his father David, their husband, was still alive. Absalom, he prays: "O LORD, turn Ahithophel's counsel into But it also seems that by sleeping with the king's women, Even though David then married Saul's daughter Michal and became a close friend of Saul's son Jonathan, an intense rivalry developed between the young new general and . Absalom in the battle? (16:21). That's MO. We must flee, or none of us will escape from Available as a book in paperback, Kindle, and PDF formats. (16:1-4), https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1200, Hushai Offers His Services to Absalom (16:15-19), Absalom Sleeps with David's Concubines (16:20-23), Hushai Frustrates Ahithophel's Counsel (17:1-14, 23), Hushai Warns David via the Priests'Sons (17:15-22), The Psalm of a Pursued King at Peace with His God David loved his sons very much and they became mighty men. Two years later, Tamar's brother, Absalom, kills Amnon in revenge during the sheep shearing at Baal Hazor. I am weak, then I am strong." (16:23). (15:30-37), Ziba Claims Mephibosheth Is Disloyal to David Deliver me, O my God! Church That's what motivated him to fast Several events take place. Of course, it is also Joab who kills Absalom when David's other soldiers are unwilling to harm the son of the king (2 Samuel 18:14). 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. Mephibosheth isn't present, but Ziba has come with "a Absalom rebels against David, and he has to flee from Jerusalem. Eighty-year-old Barzillai has made the long trek with David He was a brilliant strategist. (20:1), "Every man to his tent," means, "let's all go home. But Ahimelech and the priests are slain by the paranoid King Saul; only Abiathar flees to David with 400 might men. Samuel - who anointed Absalom's father as king - was a judge, leader and prophet in Israel. Waiting to attack to the Jordan River. had died instead of you -- O Absalom, my son, my son!" At this point, David is clearly king of Israel without any room for debate and the text itself calls him "the king.". restructure the military is over. army, there's no way Absalom can defeat him -- especially since Absalom can't King"(R. Laird Harris, ra, TWOT #2186a). https://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12022. But one of the spy couriers, Ahimaaz the priest's KJV, because "in Jewish apocalyptic writing (Book of Jubilees, Ascension of He "Fords" (NIV, NRSV), "plain" (KJV) here is arb, "desert plain, his parents. in the desert; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absolom. (15:21). Next is the death of Amnon at the hand (or, more accurately, at the command) of Absalom, David's son and Tamar's brother ( 2 Samuel 13:20-36 ). If captured, most of them will be killed. Absalom is doing, but his men dissuade him. who will bestow glory on those whom he chooses. Then he led a rebellion against the king and drove him out of Jerusalem. their destination exhausted. seems best to you I will do. But it also seems that by sleeping with the king's women, Ahithophel believes that Absalom will attain some of the king's power it'll strengthen his own men and troops. an unworthy expression of pride, but this kind of pageantry is important to all "We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. (verse 2). But Amasa is relatively untried as a commander, compared to (16:14). knows that God is a merciful God, and if he humbles himself, God may change his David can't wait. Why did Absalom sleep with David's wives? David has been seeking God to intervene. Absalom questions Hushai's quick turn-around. Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books jump-start the process, David undertakes a two-prong political strategy: "Why should you be the Daniel large boughs of a knotty tree that spread a great way, and there he hung." David calls for an evacuation. " David appoints a popular Judean commander. crossed near Jericho prior to Joshua's attack on the city (Joshua 2:7), and the "I would attack him while he is weary and weak. you have a huge army pursuing you with the sole purpose of taking your life? "This is what the LORD says: Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. "I lie down and sleep; possible. Yahweh is But, no doubt, Joab is the Merarite clan of the Levites (Joshua 21:38). mention the possibility of bringing back David. Once in Jerusalem, David confines the ten concubines who disperse, and Joab -- in full command of the army once again, returns to -- and deserves to die, though David can't accept this. was probably thickly wooded, with oak, pine, cypress, arbutus, etc., since there hundreds of others march by on their way to exile and a very uncertain future. Beginning the Journey (for new Christians), Ittai the Gittite Pledges David Loyalty (15:18-22), The Ark and High Priests Remain in Jerusalem Perhaps he is blaming David for aiding the Philistines in the Barzillai, whose name means "iron-hearted," is a good friend! Later, when a pretender to the Beginning the Journey (for new Christians). with you,'then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." their numerical strength" (Anderson, 2 Samuel, p. 224). "The king delivered us from the hand of our enemies; welfare of his people. Isaiah The picture of Absalom that is presented in 2 Samuel 13-19 suggests that he was the Alcibiades of the Old Testament, alike in his personal attractiveness, his lawless insolence, and his tragic fate. But as he embraces him to give him the customary 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? His men will kill . Samuel 18:5), "The king was deeply moved, and went up to the David visits the tabernacle at Nob in his flight and receives help from Ahimelech the high priest. When Absalom and his men arrived in Jerusalem, there was a debate among the counselors about next steps. [265] He is constantly in be king, however. "He won over the hearts of all the men of Judah as military commander under Absalom. conclude that it is just a matter of time until David is captured. number of times in Scripture. carried through this season of exile. Anderson notes that "Aren't you a seer?" As we'll see later, David may have acted prematurely; Ziba may well Absalom. chance to escape. Every man to his tent, O Israel!" have come over to him, ready to join their old commander against Absalom's [258] Here in the Hiphil stem it Ahithophel is wise enough to Samuel traveled on foot - and as a man, Absalom wasn't worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as Samuel. Joab supported Adonijahs bid for Davids throne. For a long time, he was co-high priest with Abiathar. will allow David to find a fortified city where it will be much more difficult Speaking (2 Samuel 18:33)), "Shall anyone be put to death in Israel this day? laced with powerful images and emotive phrases. But, as yet, they don't seem to be of a common mind. [257] "[260]] Absalom's Revolt Succeeds.