2 Samuel 15 - 19: Absalom’s Rebellion and Death
INTRODUCTION.
A. In our previous study of (2 Samuel 11-14), we learned of the sin between David and Bathsheba along with the consequences of the sin. Absalom, who killed his brother Amnon because he sinned against Tamar, was separated from David. In chapter fourteen, we saw Absalom reunited with David.
B. With this study, . . .
1. We will see Absalom leading a revolt against his father.
2. We will see a battle between David’s forces and the forces of Absalom.
3. We will see Absalom’s death followed by David’s crippling sorrow for Absalom.
C. Let us begin with Absalom’s rebellion.
I. ABSALOM’S REBELLION. (15:1 - 17:29)
A. Chapter 15
1. Absalom devised a method whereby he would steal the hearts of the men of Israel. He misled the people into thinking that David was out of touch, but that Absalom would be a better judge of Israel. (15:1-6)
2. Absalom asked permission of David to go to Hebron, the town of his birth. From Hebron, Absalom sent spies throughout Israel, instructing them to tell everyone that Absalom was reigning in Hebron. People began to follow Absalom. (15:7-12)
3. David, fearing the uprising, took his household and fled toward the way of the wilderness. (15:13-23)
4. David told Zadok to take the ark of the covenant of God back to the city. David commanded Zadok and his two sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, to remain in Jerusalem. (15:24-29)
5. David learned that Ahithophel was among the conspirators. David prayed that the Lord would “turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” David sent Hushai the Archite to Jerusalem to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. (15:30-37)
B. Chapter 16
1. Ziba, the servant of Mephibosheth, tricked David into giving him all that belonged to Mephibosheth. (16:1-5)
2. Shimei, “a man from the family of the house of Saul,” cursed and threw stones at David. (16:6-14)
3. Absalom and all the people with him came to Jerusalem. Hushai won the trust of Absalom. (16:15-19)
4. Absalom sought council from Ahithophel. (16:20-23)
C. Chapter 17
1. Ahithophel continued to give council to Absalom. (17:1-4)
2. Absalom requested the council of Hushai. Absalom heeded the council of Hushai. (17:5-14)
3. Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar to get word to David about Ahithophel’s council. Ahimaaz and Jonathan went and gave the warning to David. Ahithophel killed himself when he learned that Absalom had not heeded his advice. (17:15-23)
4. David went to Mahanaim. Absalom crossed over the Jordan river with all the men of Israel. Absalom appointed Amasa captain of the army. (17:24-29)
II. JOAB KILLED ABSALOM AND DAVID MOURNED FOR HIS SON. (18:1-19:43)
A. Chapter 18
1. David numbered the people who were with him. David divided the people into three parts: One third was under the hand of Joab, one third was under the hand of Abishai, and one third was under the hand of Ittai. David commanded the captains of the armies to deal gently with Absalom. (18:1-5)
2. David’s men fought Absalom’s forces in the woods of Ephraim. David’s men overthrew the forces of Absalom, killing twenty thousand men. (18:6-8)
3. Absalom, while riding a mule, got his head caught in the boughs of a terebinth tree. Joab, having learned of Absalom’s situation, went and killed Absalom. (18:9-15)
4. Joab blew a trumpet signaling the people to return from pursuing the men of Israel. The men laid Absalom in a large pit and covered him with stones. (18:16-18)
5. Joab sent the Cushite to tell David of Absalom’s death. Ahimaaz ran ahead of the Cushite. The Cushite told David of Absalom’s death. David mourned greatly for Absalom. (18:19-33)
B. Chapter 19
1. Joab rebuked David for mourning so greatly over Absalom, because he was mourning for an enemy. Joab told David to go and speak comfort to his servants. (19:1-8)
2. There was a dispute among the people as to why some were not calling for David’s return to Jerusalem. All the men of Judah called for David’s return to the throne. (19:9-14)
3. After David crossed the Jordan river, Shimei met David and repented of having cursed David. David spared Shimei’s life. (19:15-23)
4. Mephibosheth went to meet the king. Mephibosheth explained that he had been tricked by his servant, Ziba. Mephibosheth also told David that Ziba had slandered him before King David. (19:24-30)
5. Barzillai, the Gileadite went across the Jordan with David. David asked Barzillai to return to Jerusalem and David would provide for him. However, Barzillai declined, asking David to take with him Chimham and do good for him. David departed for Jerusalem and Barzillai returned to his own place. (19:31-39)
6. The people of Judah, along with half of the people of Israel, escorted king David to Gilgal. (19:40-43)
III. LESSONS LEARNED:
A. Our enemy works slow and steadily.
1. Absalom slowly won the hearts of the people away from king David. (2 Samuel 15:1-12)
2. While we may face physical enemies such as David faced during his life, our greatest enemy, the devil works in the same manner.
a. Uses snares (traps). (2 Timothy 2:25-26)
b. Seeks who he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8,9)
c. Uses methods of trickery. (Ephesians 4:14)
d. Transforms himself into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:3, 14-15)
e. Satan has devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)
B. Sometimes we must flee from the enemy. (Run away from temptations.)
1. When Absalom’s rebellion began, David left the city of Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 15:13-37)
2. There are several instances in the New Testament where we are told to flee from sin.
a. Flee fornication. (1 Corinthians 6:18)
b. Flee from idolatry. (1 Corinthians 10:14)
c. Flee covetousness and the love for money. (1 Timothy 6:9-11)
d. Flee youthful lusts. (2 Timothy 2:22)
3. Consider the Old Testament example of Joseph. (Genesis 39:7-12)
C. Sometimes we must fight the enemy.
1. David’s army fought against the army of Absalom. (2 Samuel 18:1-15)
2. There are times when we stand and fight our greatest foe, the devil.
a. Resist the devil and he will flee. (James 4:7-8)
b. Consider Paul’s instructions to stand and to put on the armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
CONCLUSION.
A. As we close this lesson, let us remember:
1. Our enemy, the devil, will, at times, work slowly and steadily.
2. Sometimes, we must flee from sin.
3. Other times, we are to stand and confront the sin.
B. Learn from the lessons of David, and do not let your enemy, the devil, defeat you.
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2 Samuel 15 - 19: Absalom’s Rebellion and Death -- File # 672 - 2 Samuel
by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK