2 Samuel 15

In 2 Samuel 15, we witness the rebellion of Absalom, David’s son, who attempts to overthrow his father and seize the throne of Israel. The chapter highlights Absalom’s manipulative tactics, David’s emotional and strategic response, and the political intrigue surrounding the royal family. This narrative introduces the beginning of a civil war and the deep personal betrayal David faces, as his own son seeks to destroy him.

2 Samuel 15:1-5 (NKJV)
1 After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2 Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, “What city are you from?” And he would say, “Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel.”
3 Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you.”
4 Moreover Absalom would say, “Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice.”
5 And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him.

Absalom's actions in these verses reveal his calculated efforts to win the favor of the people. By presenting himself with a royal entourage and positioning himself as an advocate of justice, he undermines David’s authority. Absalom uses charm and manipulation, convincing the people that he would be a more attentive ruler. His behavior at the city gate, where disputes were typically settled, allowed him to intercept those seeking justice, portraying himself as more caring and accessible than his father.

2 Samuel 15:6 (NKJV)
6 In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

Absalom’s persistent and strategic efforts succeeded in turning the hearts of the people toward him. By positioning himself as a more approachable and just alternative to King David, he slowly gained support throughout Israel. This phrase, “stole the hearts,” underscores his manipulative tactics as he used deception to win over the nation’s loyalty.

2 Samuel 15:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Now it came to pass after forty years that Absalom said to the king, “Please, let me go to Hebron and pay the vow which I made to the Lord.
8 For your servant took a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Syria, saying, ‘If the Lord indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.’”
9 And the king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron.

Absalom uses religious devotion as a cover for his rebellion. He asks David for permission to fulfill a vow he allegedly made to God while in exile. Hebron, an ancient and significant city, is where he plans to initiate his revolt. David, trusting his son, grants him leave, unaware of Absalom’s true intentions. This interaction shows the depth of Absalom's deceit and David's vulnerability.

2 Samuel 15:10-12 (NKJV)
10 Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’”
11 And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently and did not know anything.
12 Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city—from Giloh—while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number.

Absalom’s conspiracy begins in earnest as he sends spies to announce his reign once the trumpet sounds. His gathering of two hundred men, unaware of his plot, and his alliance with Ahithophel, one of David’s trusted advisors, reveal his growing power. Ahithophel’s defection signifies a turning point, as Absalom gains both political and military strength, leading to a serious threat to David's rule.

2 Samuel 15:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Now a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”
14 So David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us flee; or we shall not escape from Absalom. Make haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”

David receives the devastating news that the majority of Israel has turned against him. Faced with the danger of being overtaken by Absalom’s forces, David chooses to flee Jerusalem to avoid bloodshed and preserve the city. His decision to leave immediately reflects his humility and concern for his people, as he seeks to protect them from the impending civil war.

2 Samuel 15:15-18 (NKJV)
15 And the king’s servants said to the king, “We are your servants, ready to do whatever my lord the king commands.”
16 Then the king went out with all his household after him. But the king left ten women, concubines, to keep the house.
17 And the king went out with all the people after him, and stopped at the outskirts.
18 Then all his servants passed before him; and all the Cherethites, all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who had followed him from Gath, passed before the king.

David’s loyal servants pledge their allegiance and prepare to leave with him. As David departs, he leaves behind ten concubines to tend to the palace, a decision that will later have significant consequences. The Cherethites, Pelethites, and Gittites, elite foreign soldiers who have long served David, remain faithfully by his side, demonstrating their loyalty to him even in the face of betrayal.

2 Samuel 15:19-22 (NKJV)
19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why are you also going with us? Return and remain with the king. For you are a foreigner and also an exile from your own place.
20 In fact, you came only yesterday. Should I make you wander up and down with us today, since I go I know not where? Return, and take your brethren back. Mercy and truth be with you.”
21 But Ittai answered the king and said, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in whatever place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also your servant will be.”
22 So David said to Ittai, “Go, and cross over.” Then Ittai the Gittite and all his men and all the little ones who were with him crossed over.

Ittai the Gittite is introduced for the first time during Absalom’s rebellion. As David flees Jerusalem, he urges Ittai, a foreigner from Gath and a recent follower, to return rather than suffer with him in exile. David acknowledges that Ittai, having only recently joined him, has no obligation to stay. However, Ittai demonstrates extraordinary loyalty, declaring that he will follow David wherever he goes, whether to life or death. Moved by this devotion, David allows him to stay, and Ittai, along with his men and their families, crosses the river with David. This moment emphasizes Ittai's unwavering loyalty, despite being a foreigner and a new ally.

2 Samuel 15:23 (NKJV)
23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness.

David’s departure is a deeply emotional moment for the people. As they cross the Brook Kidron, leaving Jerusalem behind, the whole nation mourns. This crossing symbolizes David’s flight into exile, a dramatic reversal for the king who once ruled over a united and prosperous kingdom. The wilderness symbolizes the uncertainty and danger ahead.

2 Samuel 15:24-26 (NKJV)
24 There was Zadok also, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar went up until all the people had finished crossing over from the city.
25 Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place.
26 But if He says thus: ‘I have no delight in you,’ here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.”

As David and his people flee, Zadok and the Levites bring the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s presence. However, David shows remarkable faith by instructing Zadok to return the Ark to Jerusalem, trusting in God’s will. David’s response reflects his humility, acknowledging that whether he returns depends on God’s favor and purpose. He is willing to submit to whatever God decides for him.

2 Samuel 15:27-29 (NKJV)
27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
28 See, I will wait in the plains of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.”
29 Therefore Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem. And they remained there.

David instructs Zadok, a priest and a “seer” (one who can receive divine guidance), to return to Jerusalem with his sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan. This move is strategic, as David plans to receive information through Zadok and the priests while he waits in the wilderness. Zadok’s return with the Ark signifies David’s trust in God’s plan, while also setting up an intelligence network.

2 Samuel 15:30 (NKJV)
30 So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up.

David's journey up the Mount of Olives is one of deep mourning and humility. His actions—covering his head and walking barefoot—are symbols of grief and submission. As David weeps, so do his followers, sharing in his sorrow. This poignant scene illustrates the pain of betrayal and the emotional toll of being driven from his home and kingdom by his own son.

2 Samuel 15:31 (NKJV)
31 Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

David learns that Ahithophel, his trusted advisor, has joined Absalom’s rebellion. This news deeply troubles David, as Ahithophel's counsel was highly regarded for its wisdom and strategic value. Realizing the threat that Ahithophel posed, David prays that God would turn his counsel into foolishness. The betrayal is particularly painful because Ahithophel was not only a key advisor but also possibly connected to Bathsheba, as her grandfather, which may have added a personal dimension to his defection. David's prayer highlights his reliance on God in the face of a crisis that involved not only his son but also those from his inner circle.

2 Samuel 15:32-34 (NKJV)
32 Now it happened when David had come to the top of the mountain, where he worshiped God—there was Hushai the Archite coming to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.
33 David said to him, “If you go on with me, then you will become a burden to me.
34 But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I was your father’s servant previously, so I will now also be your servant,’ then you may defeat the counsel of Ahithophel for me.”

Hushai, another of David’s loyal followers, arrives in mourning, but David sees an opportunity for Hushai to help from within Absalom’s camp. David instructs Hushai to return to Jerusalem, pretending to serve Absalom, and to undermine Ahithophel’s advice. This clever strategy shows David’s wisdom in using loyalists to counter Absalom’s rebellion from within.

2 Samuel 15:35-36 (NKJV)
35 And do you not have Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? Therefore it will be that whatever you hear from the king’s house, you shall tell to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.
36 Indeed they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son; and by them you shall send me everything you hear.”

David sets up an intelligence network, using Hushai to gather information and relay it to Zadok and Abiathar. The priests’ sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, will then carry news to David. This system of communication between Jerusalem and the wilderness shows David’s strategic thinking and preparation for the long-term resistance against Absalom.

2 Samuel 15:37 (NKJV)
37 So Hushai, David’s friend, went into the city. And Absalom came into Jerusalem.

Hushai follows David’s instructions and returns to Jerusalem, placing himself in Absalom’s court as a spy for David. Meanwhile, Absalom enters Jerusalem, marking the beginning of his attempt to take the throne. The stage is now set for the confrontation between father and son, with David’s loyalists working behind the scenes to thwart Absalom’s plans.