15:34 But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy {u} servant, O king; [as] I [have been] thy father’s servant hitherto, so [will] I now also [be] thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.(u) Though Hushai was deceitful here at the king’s request, we may not use this example to excuse our deceit. read more
Absalom knew how to take full advantage of his outward acceptance by his father Now there was no difficulty in beginning to exalt himself in the eyes of Israel. His chariots and horses and fifty men to run before him (v.1) were all intended as a show of his importance. If David was troubled by this, we read nothing of it. More than this, Absalom was adept in influencing the people personally. Others ought to have seen through his activities, and to have warned David, but he got away with his... read more
O, ABSALOM , MY SON , MY SON ! LUST, MURDER AND DECEIT (2 Samuel 13:0 ) In the preceding lesson judgments were foretold as coming on David, and we are entering on that part of his career when the prediction is fulfilled in earnest. The foulness of this chapter we would not dwell upon more than we can help. Tamar of course, while sister to Absalom, was half-sister to Amnon, the two young men being sons of David by different wives. “A garment of divers colours” (2 Samuel 13:18 ) might be... read more
Absalom 2 Samuel 14-16 THESE chapters are full of men who reveal human nature in its best and its worst aspects. What plots and counterplots are here! What hypocrisy, and what unfeigned sorrow! The whole world is in these few chapters in miniature. What action, what colour, what passion, what cunning! But where the crowd is so great, discrimination is the more necessary. Let us, then, discriminate between those who serve God and those who serve him not. In chapter 14 we have a picture of... read more
(32) And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: (33) Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me: (34) But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of... read more
Defeat; ( dissipabis ) "render of no effect." (Haydock) --- Thus princes keep spies in an enemy's country. (Calmet) read more
31-37 David prays not against Ahithophel's person, but against his counsel. He prayed this, in firm belief that God has all hearts in his hand, and tongues also. But we must second our prayers with endeavours, and David did so, else we tempt God. But we do not find wisdom and simplicity so united in any mere man, that we can perceive nothing which needs forgiveness. Yet, when the Son of David was treated with all possible treachery and cruelty, his wisdom, meekness, candour, and patience, were... read more
Hushai goes to Jerusalem v. 31. And one told David, saying, Ahithophel, in whom David had trusted as his secret counselor, is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, in a brief sigh commending the matter to the Lord, O Lord, I pray Thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. The way for the fulfillment of this prayer was immediately prepared. v. 32. And it came to pass that, when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshiped God, or, where men were wont... read more
II. External Shattering of the Royal Authority till its Loss2 Samuel 15-181. Absalom’s revolt and David’s flight. 2 Samuel 15:1 to 2 Samuel 16:141And it came to pass after this that Absalom prepared him chariots [a chariot] and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate; and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment [and it came to pass that, every man that had a cause to come to the king for... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Samuel 15:1-37
5. Absalom’s Conspiracy and David’s Flight CHAPTER 15 1. Absalom steals the hearts of the men of Israel (2 Samuel 15:1-6 ) 2. His conspiracy (2 Samuel 15:7-12 ) 3. The flight of the king (2 Samuel 15:13-37 ) The beautiful prince gradually prepared for the great conspiracy of which we read now and which made of his own father the Lord’s anointed, an exile. Chariots and horses with fifty men to run before him won no doubt the admiration of the people. His evident interest in their... read more