4-17-2013
Absalom’s Rebellion
2nd Samuel 15:1-17:29
I Absalom Sets the Stage 15:1-12
II David Flees Jerusalem 15:13 – 16-14
III Absalom is Duped 16: 15- 17:29
The Portia spider is a master predator whose chief weapon is deception. To begin with---its appearance is deceptive----it looks like a piece of dried leaf or foliage that has just happened to blow into a web. It doesn’t have its own web---it uses the webs of other spiders to lure them to their deaths.
And it’s method of attacking other species of spiders, is to use a variety of methods, to lure the host spider, back into it’s own web, where the Portia spider is patiently waiting, looking like a piece of debris.
And the amazing thing is----- that the Portia spider can actually tailor its deception to entice specific prey.
For instance----with one type of spider, that maintains its home inside a rolled-up leaf, the Portia spider dances on the outside of the leaf, imitating that spider’s mating ritual.
And for another one, it crawls onto the web and taps the silken threads in a manner that mimics the vibrations of a mosquito caught in the web. The host spider, then marches itself up, thinking dinner is served, and winds up becoming the dinner.
Robert Jackson, an expert in the study of spiders says that, “A Portia can find a signal for just about any spider by trial and error. It makes different signals until the victim spider finally responds appropriately----then it keeps making the signal that works, until it accomplishes its goal.”
And just like the Portia spider, Absalom’s weapon of choice was also deception…
I Absalom Sets the Stage 15:1-12
From David’s perspective, the kiss he gave to Absalom, was a sign of complete reconciliation, and complete restoration, of Absalom’s position, as the king’s son-------but the fact that David, his own father, had waited 2 full years, after bringing him back to Jerusalem before he even spoke to him, much less forgave him, must have rankled in Absalom’s soul, and must have allowed bitterness to grow in his heart. And that bitter resentment, is what prompted Absalom to rebel against his father.
And,on the surface, even though it looked like father and son were in one accord----Absalom was secretly plotting to take over the throne, even if that meant taking David’s life, in the process. Absalom spent 4 years, quietly and deceitfully, setting the stage, and laying the plans for his rebellion.
His strategy included… 1. Drawing attention to himself with pomp and ceremony---even if it was the exact opposite of what God had told the Israelites to do, it made for a good show---he rode around in a
Horsse- drawn chariot, with 50 people running ahead of him, as his protectors. 2. Criticism, of his father’s system and administration of justice. 3. Making it seem like he could and would do, a much better job with his, pie-in-the-sky, boastful, campaign promises. And… 4. Personal charm and flattery-----he wouldn’t let people bow down to him as was the customary protocol, from the people to their prince---he kissed them like they were best friends… and won them over with his easy and empty mannerisms.
Deceitfully, Absalom sought and received permission from David to go to Hebron, which was the heart of David’s dynasty-----it’s where David was declared the king and it is also where Absalom was born-----so that he could make a sacrifice and pay back a vow, that he had made to the Lord-----which he certainly did, although it wasn’t a godly one, like he led David to believe----it was to announce his intentions to seize the reigns of power from David, and to set himself up as the next king, and Hebron was the city he had chosen, as his base of operations.
Ahithophel, Bathsheba’s grandfather and one of David’s most trusted advisors, went with Absalom, along with 200 other people, who had no idea what Absalom was planning.
He deceived them too, he was clever------he had led them into an impossible situation-----if they tried to go back to Jerusalem, Absalom would have killed them-----and if they stayed, David would have seen them as traitors-----so they thought that they had no choice but to stay and serve Absalom…. As the plans for the coup were finalized in Hebron, more and more people jumped on the bandwagon.
And when they got to Hebron, Absalom’s plan looked like it was going to be successful----- the conspiracy might have increased in strength there, because Absalom may have found supporters who were mad at David, for having moved the capitol city from there, to Jerusalem, in the first place------ and another reason why, might have been because David had instituted a centralized form of government, which some of the tribes may have resented, because it took away their freedom to govern themselves ------and it forced them to have pay taxes, so that the government could function properly----- it looked like Absalom knew all about the discontent-----and that the country was ripe for rebellion---- and he did everything he could to stir the pot, by sending out messengers all over Israel to rise up and take back what they wanted-----and it doesn’t look like David suspected a thing…
Absalom’s political strategy was to steal the hearts of the people with his good looks and his grand entrances, and his apparent concern for the people and their interests, and with friendly embraces----and there were many people who were fooled and they switched their allegiance------but it was all a lie---Absalom was looking out for himself and he didn’t care who he used in the process-----we have to be careful who we give our allegiance to---we need to evaluate our leaders, to make sure that their charisma isn’t a mask ,that is covering up arrogance and pride and greed and deception and a hunger for power, at all costs-----we need to make sure that under a leader’s style and charm-----they are faithful to the Lord, and that they can handle people wisely and they can make good decisions and they can admit their mistakes and will seek forgiveness, repentance and reconciliation, with the Lord and with each other.
II David Flees Jerusalem 15:13-16-14
When David learned about Absalom’s revolt he fled from Jerusalem. At first glance, it makes us wonder why David, the mighty warrior, didn’t just crush the rebellion----but I think Absalom, had set the stage too well, and too far, and the people’s unrest, was was already, too widespread, so that it wouldn’t have been suppressed very easily.
And I think that David, who, we know, was close to the Lord, discerned correctly, that the rebellion was also a part of the consequences, that he had to deal with, from the fallout, from his sins, involving Bathsheba and Uriah.
And he didn’t want any of his people to suffer, because of his sin, and he didn’t want to see Jerusalem damaged or destroyed as a result of it either.
Maybe he was seeking to avert civil war, and unnecessary bloodshed, by stepping aside. I think he believed that if God wanted to restore him, He would, in His time and if He didn’t, then David was willing to go, in any way that God saw fit. (Some of the Psalms that David wrote during this time are believed to be 39, 41, 56, 61 and 63, and you can clearly see his heart in them.)
I also think that David loved his son, and he wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, that things could still be worked out between them------and also, if God had chosen Absalom, then David wasn’t going to stand in the way---he remembered that God had chosen him to replace Saul when the time was right, too…
But, there does seem to be an element of hope, in David’s behavior, that he would come back, because he left 10 of his concubines there, to take care of the palace for him. Had David not escaped from Jerusalem, the ensuing fight, might have killed him, as well as many of the inhabitants of the city. Some fights that we think are necessary can be costly and destructive, unnecessarily, to others around us. We need to pick our battles---sometimes we may have to back down or away and save the fight for another day----even if doing it, hurts our pride or disappoints us or presents our intentions in a cowardly light or makes our motivation seem suspect. It takes courage to stand and fight, but it takes just as much courage, to back down for the sake of someone else.
David’s servants and his royal guard demonstrated their loyalty by following him into exile---and included in that contingent of followers, were 600 soldiers from the Philistine territory, of Gath, who evidently were loyal, mercenary soldiers, who were willing to fight alongside David. Although Israel was supposed to destroy their wicked enemies, they were supposed to welcome foreigners, who came on friendly terms, so that they could be introduced to the Israelite God and show them the importance of obeying Him----- so it wasn’t strange for David to have foreign followers.
Ittai, the Gittite was especially noted for his loyalty in this passage of scripture----David told him to stay in Jerusalem, not because he was encouraging him to serve Absalom, as king, but because he was encouraging him, to serve whomever, God appointed, as the ruler over Israel-----Ittai, must have loved the Lord God, with a rare love, for David to trust him like that. Later on David appointed him, to a commander position, as a reward, for his loyalty to him.
After they crossed over the brook of Kidron, east of Jerusalem, David noticed that the priests, Abiathar and Zadok were bringing the Ark out of the city, with them-----and He knew that that was the wrong thing, so he commanded for them to take it back----- which signified 3 things-----1. He refused to see the Ark as a good-luck charm, 2. He was resolved to keep the center of worship in the nation’s capitol, where it belonged----whether or not, God intended, for him, to remain, as Israel’s king, and 3. David trusted that God was in control of the whole situation. This a beautiful testimony, to me, of David’s belief in God’s sovereignty, regardless of the situation or the circumstances. (Its amazing what we can do, when we take our focus off of our circumstances and put them on the Lord, and trust His hand, to work everything out.)
David instructed Abiathar and Zadok, to stay in Jerusalem, and to act as spies for him, so that he could know what was going on in the capitol, during Absalom’s revolt----he was still the king, until God said he wasn’t. The priest’s sons, were the conduits, that information flowed through, to David, about what was happening in Jerusalem. And David appointed his faithful servant, and friend, Hushai to obtain that information for him, and to pass it on to the priests, as best he could----- and he also charged Hushai, with doing, anything he could, to thwart the advice and counsel that Absalom was given, by Ahithophel.
Hushai didn’t lie about his involvement----he just let Absalom and Ahithophel make their own conjectures and come to their own conclusions.
Spying is a form of deceit, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and in that time of war, David needed to be clever and cunning, and to walk softly, keeping his eyes and his ears open-----waiting and listening, to see what the Lord would have him do. I can’t see that David stepped out of line, anywhere, in this passage.
By continuing to move forward and by continuing to rule from afar, and by knowing what was happening, because of placing people, in key places, David was putting feet to his faith. David is clearly submissive to God’s leadership---- but---- he still does all that’s within his power, to act prudently. This is the way our faith is supposed to be ----we are supposed to be actively submissive…
David’s meekness and his submission to the Lord, was apparent, as he fled from Absalom’s betrayal----but he wasn’t vengeful or retaliatory----he trusted his fate was in God hands------he went forward, in humility, weeping for everybody involved. (I’m reminded of “blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” that Jesus taught in Matt. 5:4.)
David had practically turned cartwheels, in worship, as he had accompanied the Ark into Jerusalem, for the first time---and even though his body language was very different, as he trudged away from Jerusalem-----he was just as driven to worship the Lord and to honor Him for His faithfulness. He took the time to stop, on the Mount of Olives, on his way out of town, to worship and pray.
Then, continuing on his way, after worship----David met Ziba, crippled Mephibosheth’s, servant, bringing him a large store of supplies------but while the provisions were a wonderful blessing, Ziba lied to David about Mephibosheth’s loyalty----making David believe that Mephibosheth had crossed over to Absalom’s camp---- It elevated Ziba in David’s eyes and earned him more property and posessions, which was probably Ziba’s intent-------but it would have hurt David, that Jonathan’s son had betrayed him, in a time, when his emotions, were already at such a low ebb.
David shouldn’t have trusted what Ziba told him, without checking into it, or without being skeptical and asking more probing questions that would have uncovered the lie-----we should be careful not to accept someone’s condemnation of another person, especially when the accuser might profit from the downfall of the other person. We should never just take a person’s word for it, when it involves someone’s reputation.
When David came to Bahurim, near the edge of the wilderness of Judah, he was met by a man named Shimei, who was a distant relative of Saul’s. Shimei kept up a steady tirade, against David, for his past sins----especially what the man perceived to be the ones against Saul.
Although his curses were unjustified, because David had had no part in Saul’s death, David made his followers quietly tolerate the abuse, and he wouldn’t let his nephew Abishai harm Shimei-----David tolerated the tirade, because he thought it still might be part of God’s judgment against him for his sins, and he didn’t want to interfere with God’s work. (Maintaining our composure in the face of unjustified criticism can be a very trying and very demoralizing experience and an emotional drain----but we can’t control what people say, and we can’t control someone else’s behavior------we can only control our own-----so if we can’t stop criticism, we just need to ignore it, and remember that God knows what we’re enduring and He will vindicate us, if we are in the right and He will pull us up short so that we can repent, if we’re in the wrong-----and He will give us the strength and the desire, to pray for that person)
After the encounter with Shimei, David continued to move eastward toward Manahaim and Absalom went back to Jerusalem. Hushai ingratiated himself to Absalom, with a carefully worded speech---- and Ahithophel advised Absalom to sleep with David’s concubines, which was the custom, of a conquering king, in order to make a clear statement, that he was assuming power. It was the greatest possible insult, that he could fling at David.
They set up a tent on the roof and Absalom took care of business, which fulfilled Nathan’s prediction, that because of David’s sins, someone close to him, would lie with David’s wives, in broad daylight, in view of all Israel.
God’s word is true----when he promises something, whether its judgment or blessing, it will come to pass.
III Absalom is Duped 16:15-17-29
Ahithophel counseled Absalom that he should pursue and kill David and his followers, as soon as possible----to remove any possibility of their reclaiming the throne. He suggested that David’s death, would probably insure, that David’s followers would be willing to align themselves with Absalom. David’s prayer was answered, when Absalom, took (loyal-to-David, Hushai’s, advice) over Ahithophel’s… Hushai first criticized the advice that Ahithophel had given, and then, with eloquence and flattery, he warned Absalom, against attacking David, right away, since he was such a mighty warrior and such an expert at warfare. He advised Absalom, to wait, and to take the time to organize the army, by gathering the troops, from all over Israel, first, and then, to lead them into battle, personally, himself.
David was quickly informed of what was going to happen, by the priest’s sons, who narrowly escaped being apprehended by Absalom’s servants.
But when Ahithophel saw that his counsel to Absalom, hadn’t been followed, and had even been subtly ridiculed, he took his own life----two factors probably contributed to his suicide----1.) he was humiliated by the rejection of his advice, and 2. He could probably foresee Absalom’s defeat, and he knew, that he would be accountable to David ,for his disloyalty, when David resumed the throne.
The delay that Hushai recommended, gave David and his men the chance to make to prepare themselves for battle. When they got the word about Absalom’s plans, they crossed over the Jordan River, to Mahanaim, which was already well-fortified, since it had served as Ish-bosheth’s former capitol. David found refuge and support there, from some wealthy sympathizers in the region, which left him and his followers, well-fed and well rested--------and he was able to gather provisions and reorganize his forces, and he waited for Absalom and his army to show up, so that he could see what God intended to happen.
God met the needs of David and his followers in unexpected ways and He will meet ours that way, too. We are promised in Philipians 4:19, that He will----because it says, “and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
We just have to trust Him, not the circumstances…
There was once a young man, who with his dad, farmed a little piece of land. Several times a year, they would load up an old ox-drawn cart with vegetables and go into the nearest city to sell their produce. Except for their name and the patch of ground, they farmed, the old man and his son, had little in common. The old man believed in taking it easy. The boy was usually in a hurry. One morning, bright and early, they hitched up the ox to the loaded cart and started on the long journey. The son figure that if they walked faster, kept going all day and night, they’d make the market by early the next morning. So he kept prodding the ox with a stick, urging the beast to move along.
“Take it easy son, said the father, “and you’ll last longer.”
“But if we get to market before the others, we’ll have a better chance of getting good prices,” argued the son.
No reply, the dad just pulled his hat down over his eyes and fell asleep on the seat. Itchy and irritated, the young man kept goading the ox to walk faster. His stubborn pace refused to change.
Four hours and four miles later down the road, they came to a little house. The father woke up and said, “Here’s your uncle’s place. Let’s stop in and say hello. But we’ve lost an hour already”, complained the son. “Then a few more minutes won’t matter. My brother and I live so close, yet we see each other seldom.” the father answered slowly.
The boy fidgeted and fumed while the two old men laughed and talked away for almost an hour. When they got out on the road again, the man took his turn leading the ox. As they approached a fork in the road, the father led the ox to the right. The left is the shorter way, “said the son. “I know it”, said the father, “but this way is much prettier.” Have you no respect for time?” the young man asked impatiently. “Oh, I respect it very much! That’s why I like to use it to look at beauty and enjoy each moment to the fullest.”
The winding path led through graceful meadows, wildflowers and along a rippling stream----all of which the young man missed as he churned within, preoccupied and boiling with anxiety. He didn’t even notice how lovely the sunset was that day.
Twilight found them in what looked like a huge, colorful garden. The old man breathed in the aroma, listening to the bubbling brook, and pulled the ox to a halt, “let’s sleep here,” he sighed.
“This is the last trip I’m taking with you,” snapped the son. “you’re more interested in watching sunsets and smelling flowers than you are in making money.”
“That’s the nicest thing you’ve said to me in a long time”, smiled the old man. A couple of minutes later, he was snoring. The boy glanced back at the stars, but he was restless and the night dragged slowly.
Before sunrise the young man hurriedly shook his father awake. They hitched up and went on. About a mile down the road, they happened on another farmer---a total stranger----trying to pull his cart out of a ditch.
“Let’s give him a hand”, whispered the old man. “And lose more time,” exploded the son.
“Relax son, you might be in a ditch yourself, someday.” We need to help others in need, don’t forget that.” The boy looked away in anger.
It was almost 8:00 that morning by the time the other cart was back on the road. Suddenly, a great flash of light lit the sky. What sounded like thunder, followed and beyond the hills, the sky grew dark. “Looks like a big rain in the city,” said the father. “If we had hurried, we’d almost be sold out by now,” grumbled the boy. “Take it easy and you’ll last longer. And you’ll enjoy life so much more,” counseled the kind old gentleman.
It was late afternoon by the time they got to the hill overlooking the city. They stopped and stared down at it for a long, long time. Neither of them said a word. Finally, the young man put his hand on his father’s shoulder, and said, “I see what you mean, Dad.”
They turned their cart around and began to roll slowly away from what had once been the city of Hiroshima…
God will show up and He will meet our needs in unexpected ways, in unexpected places-----we just have to learn to trust Him...
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