#461 Return of the King

And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.

3 And the people gat them by stealth that day into the city, as people being ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.

4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Absalom, my son, my son!

5 And Joab came into the house to the king, and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants, which this day have saved thy life, and the lives of thy sons and of thy daughters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of thy concubines;

6 In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.

7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants: for I swear by the Lord, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil that befell thee from thy youth until now.

8 Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

9 And all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now he is fled out of the land for Absalom.

10 And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?

11 And king David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak unto the elders of Judah, saying, Why are ye the last to bring the king back to his house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the king, even to his house.

12 Ye are my brethren, ye are my bones and my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last to bring back the king?

13 And say ye to Amasa, Art thou not of my bone, and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if thou be not captain of the host before me continually in the room of Joab.

14 And he bowed the heart of all the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man; so that they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, and all thy servants.

15 So the king returned, and came to Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the king, to conduct the king over Jordan.

16 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, which was of Bahurim, hasted and came down with the men of Judah to meet king David.

17 And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him; and they went over Jordan before the king.

18 And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan;

19 And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.

20 For thy servant doth know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come the first this day of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.

21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord's anointed?

22 And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?

23 Therefore the king said unto Shimei, Thou shalt not die. And the king sware unto him.

24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and had neither dressed his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his clothes, from the day the king departed until the day he came again in peace.

25 And it came to pass, when he was come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said unto him, Wherefore wentest not thou with me, Mephibosheth?

26 And he answered, My lord, O king, my servant deceived me: for thy servant said, I will saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go to the king; because thy servant is lame.

27 And he hath slandered thy servant unto my lord the king; but my lord the king is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in thine eyes.

28 For all of my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: yet didst thou set thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet to cry any more unto the king?

29 And the king said unto him, Why speakest thou any more of thy matters? I have said, Thou and Ziba divide the land.

30 And Mephibosheth said unto the king, Yea, let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house.

31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.

32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.

33 And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.

34 And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?

35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?

36 Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?

37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.

38 And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.

39 And all the people went over Jordan. And when the king was come over, the king kissed Barzillai, and blessed him; and he returned unto his own place.

40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him: and all the people of Judah conducted the king, and also half the people of Israel.

41 And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?

42 And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, Because the king is near of kin to us: wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have we eaten at all of the king's cost? or hath he given us any gift?

43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the king, and we have also more right in David than ye: why then did ye despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our king? And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel. 2 Samuel 19 KJV

Those who live or wish to live in the public eye, that would be set upon such lofty places, must also reason that they are of constant watch and conversation. The struggles in my heart would be the same as yours or a kings, unfortunately they remain men in this position, they may grow wiser but not smarter. They rely on the strength of those around them, the counsel of those that can pull themselves away from the spotlight and look to edges of the shadows. What is really happening, what is occurring past the eyes of the king? Joab, like myself, is an arrogant prick, one who loves to say I told you so, and good for him, he is right about much again, but not much of a friend. Faithful are the wounds even so, for whether your delivery sucks or not, if you are correct then I cannot shut my ears and avoid being a fool at the same time. The son that was born into sin, yet died without practicing it, to him David said, I can go to him, but he cannot come back to me. Oh the pain of not knowing or worse, of being pretty sure, if not positive, the place of Absalom's eternal destiny. Damn, being the king is horrible, I would rather retire at this point to the wilderness, for who but God can console me? Everyone else, my own heart will only lie to me, and the people take this as an offense to them, but it is with heavy heart and a guilty conscience, I ponder why I did not fight so much the harder for his soul. Now I know only what I was not to him when he was alive. Now I have to wash my face, though I don't feel regal. I must stand before the armies of the Lord, though my sins have found me out. I must receive honor that I cannot deserve, it must belong to someone else, because I am the father of this misery. Absalom, oh Absalom. Jerusalem, oh Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets, how I have longed to take you under my wing. David is a man, broken, and yes he is the king as well, so he must stand up and put this aside for quieter times.

They remember him, oh yea, this is he who was chosen of the Lord, who delivered us from our enemies. This is he whom we betrayed for the lip service of his son, the lion that we replaced with the cub. This is he who has served us well, and this is Israel's approach back to him. He has defeated the evil that rose up, has wrestled down his own demons, exercised patience in adversity, while the faithful have torn down the idol that would pretend at him. He could come in now by force but puts forth the invitation clearly, they are being drawn by their memories, of the truths about him, and they argue amongst themselves at why they have not invited him back. He asked his own tribe, Judah, bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh, why are you the last to invite me back? And you see them pondering this at the end of the tribulation, after the disappointment of the antichrist, that he was just a pretender who spoke well. We chased out the king, followed him down the street, heaping insults. He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. We pretended that we didn't know him. We were angry when they referred to him as the king since he was not the king of our hearts or choosing. We hung him on a tree outside the city like one who deserved this, He became a curse for us, we gave Him a new name, that means "blot this name out." Remove Him from our memories. We called Him a blasphemer, but God called Him, Son.

David is coming home to Jerusalem, he has waited upon the Lord, and the Lord has delivered him. Shimei has nothing but nice things to say to him now, what an empty man, a reed blown about in the wind. The king is kinder than his servants, and this is why it is better for him to be king. You should ask yourself when you sit in the place of judgment, is this too much? What would I want in this man's place? Is there anyway to turn this about, will he let me help him? Love tries so hard out building bridges back up, but pride may still find a way to build a bigger bomb. I pray for hope, but some despise mercy, lie to the face of grace, and are too entitled to hear what help actually sounds like. Mephibosheth is truly beautiful, and does not even want to contest with the man who has done him such a disservice. I don't know if David had turned into Oprah, and everyone was getting a car today, a blanket amnesty, but after finding out the deceit of Ziba, he only ask that they split the land. Maybe it is not all together clear to him, or he remembers how grateful he was when Ziba showed up with the supplies. So maybe he errs on the side of caution, he does not want to find either man a liar, but I think it becomes clear in the joy of Mephibosheth, that his words are much like that of a Jonathan. He is the kings friend, and if I could have proved it I would have dealt with Ziba for this slander. Such ill planted deceit has cost good and innocent men their lives. I would want to know, but there is so much going on here. I love what Mephibosheth says, "let him take all for as much as my lord the king is returned unto his house." I don't deserve to be here, I have sat at your table in my infirmity, unable to repay your kindness, and you have been like a father to me. We were enemies by birth and you by your call, who you are, yet you invited me in. I am just happy to be here with you, I was sick without your presence.

Oh and at the end of it all they are all under one king, but they would be divided in it. Who shall have the most say in him? No wonder we can't see Christ's kingdom, and we shall never see so well the greatest among us here. We are too busy anointing ourselves, thinking how much better things would be if we were in charge, not realizing we could move mountains if we did what we were supposed to do where we are at. Lift up the name of Jesus, take it off of you, because you can only do what those before you have already done.  

11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23: 11&12

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#460 Taking Up or Running Away

And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds over them.

2 And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.

4 And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.

5 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;

7 Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.

8 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.

10 And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.

11 And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.

12 And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king's son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.

13 Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.

14 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.

15 And ten young men that bare Joab's armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.

16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held back the people.

17 And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent.

18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

19 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the king tidings, how that the Lord hath avenged him of his enemies.

20 And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king's son is dead.

21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.

22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?

23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain, and overran Cushi.

24 And David sat between the two gates: and the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold a man running alone.

25 And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said, If he be alone, there is tidings in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew near.

26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.

27 And the watchman said, Me thinketh the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, He is a good man, and cometh with good tidings.

28 And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth upon his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the Lord thy God, which hath delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.

29 And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was.

30 And the king said unto him, Turn aside, and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood still.

31 And, behold, Cushi came; and Cushi said, Tidings, my lord the king: for the Lord hath avenged thee this day of all them that rose up against thee.

32 And the king said unto Cushi, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Cushi answered, The enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young man is.

33 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son! 2 Samuel 18 KJV

Josephus writes of this accumulating force, as approximately 4 thousand men, but this is better than the 600 of his guard. It is still a small army in comparison to Israel, divided up in companies of a third. David wants to go with them this time, when he sent out larger forces before, he was of a mind to stay home. That did not go so well since he indulged his passions rather than his office, his call. This time, when it is ugly and they are outnumbered, it probably feels awkward to stay away from the contest. This is where those that rule must really learn to listen, for passion is not the same as sound reason. Let those that can do, lest you be a burden to them and in their way. He is not the young warrior that he use to be, and his life is now precious to them as the king, it would be a distraction in the field. I have often thought how few wars there might be if kings had to go to the front, but that will not be, and what good would it do if others lose a wicked king, there are billions that may take his place. A good king is difficult replace. Put aside your pride, your own honor, think of the kingdom, the overall good, and clean out your own house. Humble yourself before God, acknowledging the frailty of rule, of your life and choose the most righteous of men to go before you. 

Deal gently with my son for my sake. I disagree with David here, but I see it also as a type to which I am grateful, since I hated God, did not believe in God, and mocked His Son for a time myself. God's Son said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." David may have hope against reason that his son may change if he is shown mercy again, but he has already been shown such, has pissed all over his father's grace, and worse, has defied the only wise God. It is wrong as the ruler of the nation to not secure first the safety of the nation, to put above those that fight for you, he who hates kindness and loves only himself. What Christian is out there teaching that you will not lose friend, family, culture or other for the gospel's sake? He is no friend of Christ that would say this. Our battle is a different one than this here, it is not against flesh and blood as we watch this unfold, but against feelings, emotions and all else that would take our hearts  away from the truth. Absalom runs but is caught in the branches of a tree, and cursed is everyone who hangs from a tree, let it be noted for all rebellious children to come, for every parent that puts their child's affection above the words of God. See how Absalom is made an example of, how the mighty are lifted up in the end, those that serve themselves and desire men's shoulders, look, there he is. Have you taught your kids today about their pride, have you humbled yourself before God, in front of your children, acknowledging that you are in need of God's mercy and grace yourself? Do you find it more important for them to fit in with the world than to know the Word's of God? Is it funny to you, their arrogance, their disrespect of others, that they make fun of those who God created? Is it better to you that they know how to talk trash or how to pray? I am screaming at myself more than I am even talking to anyone else, but as much as I should apologize for, this I should not. We are all born rebellious and think light of what it actually takes to reconcile us to Holiness. David could not offer up a sacrifice of all the kingdom of Israel that would save his son from God's eternal judgment. There is no appeasing God, and maybe that is where we cannot come to see eye to eye, for in the heart of every man there is first this desire to stand on his own two feet, to write his own terms.

They find Absalom, and Joab comes to find his men standing there, staring at the spectacle. None are willing to finish him because of the words of the king, and Joab rebukes them for it, I think for the sake of Israel and the disrespect. He says he would have rewarded the man that killed him, but it would only have allowed him what he wanted without blood on his own hands. The soldier rightly refrains and corrects Joab, for as much as he should liked to have seen Absalom run through, he would have been the sword of the king against the one who killed him. If David told him to punish the man that killed his son, then the promotion and the silver would mean little. Joab throws his darts, and I don't know that it is good here that he defied the king, but I know that it is good that Absalom is no longer a threat to Israel. He hugged and kissed his way to the throne, won the hearts of the people with fluff, but all he wanted was their worship, power, to elevate himself. 

It is over, and what monuments to ourselves really matter, what rocks don't weather over time? Paint whatever portrait you like, but how does He Who sees without error, see me? Cushi is sent to give the report, but he who is light of feet and a priest possibly thinks that he should go also. Maybe he thinks that he can deafen the blow, or that he can point David to God, and where his most grateful and humble affection should be. Maybe he is just this excited or wants to run. Maybe he as the priest he would like to cushion the blow that could befall the bearer of bad news, to protect Cushi. I don't know, but he shrinks from saying anything of the fate of Absalom, and Cushi is left the weight which he handles well. May all the kings enemies be as your son is now. Regardless of the relation, he had decided to be David's enemy. It is sad, and David is like us in the infirmities of our own minds, but like he said of the one before, I cannot bring him back. He was outwardly beautiful, but God looks at the heart, and the outside withers like the grass. God, let me say, no matter how I feel, blessed be the name of the Lord. I have not deserved your grace, let me not despise it then, don't let me live or die ignorant of you. Your name be lifted up, Your word above all thoughts of men. Praise the name of Jesus.

When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7: 54-60

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#459 Confounded

Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:

3 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.

4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.

5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

6 And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.

7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.

8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.

9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.

10 And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

12 So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.

13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.

14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom.

15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.

16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.

17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.

18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.

19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well's mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.

20 And when Absalom's servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.

21 And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.

22 Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.

23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.

25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.

26 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.

27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

28 Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,

29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness. 2 Samuel 17 KJV

This was actually a smart plan, show up with numbers, swarm upon those who were a mere handful in comparison. Attack before David can raise an army. Take 12000 against so few and focus on the king as the prize. This will cause them to lose heart that would normally fight beside him, and once the shepherd is dead then those with him will become sheep. Once the old lion is dead then the pride will bow; take his crown and there will be peace. This violence is key for it cuts off the people from the one that was God's choice, whom He disciplines even now, yet still loves. Without David there, they will be focused, they will see their king and he will rule unchallenged. David took the kingdom slowly and waited for Saul to be removed in God's time, but Absalom has put himself above God's choice. He has decided himself above God's law in taking his father's concubines, and though his father was satisfied with his exile and even missed his son, Absalom is thirsty for the blood of lions. He will not rest till he has killed him, and his adviser wants the same. If David is guilty of anything with his children it is giving them too much, and they are as the Bible speaks of such generations, ungrateful, unholy and truly without natural affection. Who has ever hated a kind father so much, desired the crown of the one who sired you, dishonored the husband of your mother, so much that you would usurp not his throne, but God's. Yes, for that is how David sees it as well, the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

David did pray that the counsel of Ahithophel would be broken, and so far that has played out, for that which God in His Sovereignty has predicted has come to pass. The advise that the people's oracle has given thus far has been against God, and now Absalom will ask the word of Hushai, who will counsel according to the strength of David. He will remind his son of the warrior that David was, the crouching lion of Judah, though long in the tooth, he will invoke the picture of the warrior in his prime. It is an awesome play to his own vanity as well, what a prize, the head of the king who brought down Moab, broke the Philistines, and invoked the songs of heroes. If he was revered so much in his time for killing the giant, then how much more myself for killing the giant slayer. A war with the great general, the young lion taking his father as a trophy. The insane can find glory in the strangest things. He sides with Hushai and Ahithophel is overcome with his own pride I think. He is a brilliant man, but again, what is the wisdom of this world in the face of God? What will happen when the mind that God made, that has become the victim of it's own pride, a fallen mind, dust, collides against the wisdom of God? Who will win that war? He is always thinking though, looks a few moves ahead, like a man playing chess, and sees his chance at revenge and glory fading. He has the mind to put his things in order and kills himself. He does not find his knees, but like Judas the betrayer of the Son of David, he sees no other way.

As the artificial light goes out, David finds the light and warmth of those reflecting the love of God towards him. He is being provided for even in his punishment, sustained in his banishment, like those who eat meat from ravens, there is no where God is not able to deliver.

“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18(Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlongd he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20“For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

“‘May his camp become desolate,
and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

and

“‘Let another take his office.’ Acts 1: 

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#458 That Wisdom Men Employ

And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

2 And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.

3 And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.

4 Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

5 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.

6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.

7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:

8 The Lord hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.

9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

10 And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?

11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lordhath bidden him.

12 It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lordwill requite me good for his cursing this day.

13 And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.

14 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.

15 And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.

16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

17 And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the Lord, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.

19 And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.

20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.

22 So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. 2 Samuel 16 KJV

If you read this first part without knowing what comes later, then you would think Ziba a very good friend of God's chosen. He shows up at the right time, with well thought out gifts, gifts that will help replenish their energy and restore their spirits. It looks from this one side of the tale that he is doing it at his own personal risk, against his master's wishes. I have seen at least a hundred men like Ziba, they kiss whatever ring they have access to at the time, but are always looking for the one that can move them forward. It's ok to differ with those who are in office or your boss, but go to them, give them the opportunity to talk through your issues. Don't go over their head with a lie to make yourself look good at their expense. Ziba wanted what David had given to Mephibosheth, and Ziba's family all had all already benefited from this gift. They worked the land and reaped from it, but as the manager of it he came to despise the owner. He coveted the estate and would now steal it with a lie, but also by the word of a deceived and manipulated king. He has a silver tongue though, and here we are again with those who bring gifts and compliments, it works all too well so the unrighteous employ such means and steps wherever possible. It is perfect timing though, for David is not in any position presently to turn away such a gift. Beware, they come in sheep's clothing bearing gifts.

Now Shimei is another sort, the one would tempt you to believe a lie about your friend, but Shimei would pour alcohol into your wounds, throwing stones and kicking up dust. He hates David because he is king over Saul. He hates David and thinks that what David now suffers is because of what the present king has done to get to the throne. What is his accusation concerning David? 

First, that he is a bloody man. OK, but do you mean a warrior? Do you mean because he is the one who ordered the death of Uriah? No, his complaint is for the blood of the house of Saul, and this is not only unjust but very self serving. He is like the man who goes to the voting booth and says this is my candidate, because he is from my home state. Because he is from my state he can do little wrong. This is my candidate because in my world of upside down priorities I have not cared what the Creator of the Universe thinks, but this guy shares my one pet peeve. I was happy with Saul, he was one of us, but you are the shepherd from Judah, the son of Jesse. I am now happy to see that God is punishing you for what you did to Saul. Wait a minute, didn't David refuse to kill Saul twice when it was made easy? Did he not love the son of Saul as the brother of his own soul? Has he not been kind to Jonathan's son, up until this point where it looks as though Mephibosheth has betrayed him? David was a bloody man also on Saul's behalf, fighting the wars of the kingdom, standing tall against giants, and he did not initiate a rebellion to the crown that God had put upon Saul's head, but Saul was the one who sought the life of David. How vane and selective are we when we defend our home team. 

"Why should this dead dog curse the lord, my king?" Well, in the world you will have tribulation, and Christ told his followers to expect such ill treatment as well. They mocked him, falsely accused him, and He was not just chosen of God, but was God. There was no one that ever spit or said ought against him that he could not justly rebuke and destroy, but as a sheep before the sheer is dumb so He opened not His mouth. Yes, they may be wrong, but the Lord hath allowed it. David may not be guilty of Saul's blood, but he is greater than any statesman ever in taking this rebuke. He is so much better a king in adversity than he is in rule. What brings a man to his knees brings him to the blessing of reality, when we can forgive those who speak evil of us, we can accept forgiveness from above. It is just dust, and he is only kicking up what the wind will take away. David is surrounded by a host, and they are ready to end this at his word, but he is too busy in his thoughts, remembering the road here, in awe of God's provision, to swat at such a flea. It will pass, none of us may ever speak from the throne of infinite righteousness, for we are all born trespassers. I will weigh your words, and if they are true I will eat them and thank you for them. If they are false, I will tell you why and still forgive you, because that is what I am asking God to do for me. If you cannot hear me then I will go to God and still forgive you, let Him decide, but I know that I cannot say that all my ways have been right, my every thought pure, or that I have always acted in humility. So, do forgive me please if I was wrong, and if not then I should want to show you grace as well.

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”[e] 55 But he turned and rebuked them.[f] 56 And they went on to another village.

The Cost of Following Jesus

57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

The end of this is sinister. We should never wish that our enemy does evil, nor should we advise those to do evil that we may have revenge. Ahithophel's wisdom is a concern to David, and I think more than it should be, but he is a politician, a persuader. He probably wins at debate, but not with the whole counsel of God, but rather worldly wisdom. The truth is not the end or the means for such men, but how can we win? I can say a lot of small truths, poke your feelings and emotions, get a response, and in the end of it you swallow a great big lie. He is most probably here as the grandfather of Bathsheba, a house whose honor has been affronted. He advises one who is ever so vane and arrogant, let that which David did in secret be done on the roof tops. He advises against God's law, so how good an adviser can he be? It is this worldly wisdom that would suggest such a course, for it insures no going back. David may well want to forgive his son or be able to with such a heart as his, but that would leave Ahithophel a trader. David might even forgive this oddly enough, but since neither Absalom nor Ahithophel are men acquainted with such power, they could never forgive such an act themselves. They could not do it so they would never expect such a door open to their return; they would not be able to find what in their hearts does not exist. To them this says there is no going back, and to those in Israel that were on the fence this abomination would have been seen not merely against David, but against God. His counsel in those days was received as an oracle, so much was his wisdom revered. God, please give me discernment, keep me from revenge and the evil doer, let me try to convince purely with Your truth, let me beg men back from the edge of their destruction, speak to their hearts. Thank you for forgiving me, please give me the strength to forgive others. Let me not be deceived by wicked men.

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

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#457 Brook of Despair

And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

2 And 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, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.

4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!

5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.

6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

7 And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron.

8 For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.

9 And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.

10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.

11 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.

12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.

14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.

16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.

17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.

18 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.

19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.

20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.

21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the Lord liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.

22 And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.

23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

24 And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were 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 done passing out of the city.

25 And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:

26 But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

27 The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.

28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.

29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.

30 And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

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 Ahithophel.

35 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

36 Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.

37 So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 15 KJV

Absalom is David's son by a foreign princess. Her father is a king and so it is probable that this feeds into the lofty mind of one who is so proud. Like the kings of other nations he comes to represent himself by chariots and horses. Like Nazi's proudly marching down the street, or government leaders who dawn on military garb, the iron fist of rule, that directs the hammer and the sickle. It is quite the procession, what a strong and handsome profile, he is the people's candidate. He takes his campaign to them, embraces them, oh comrade, if only I was in control then what I could do for you. Your cause is just, I feel your pain, I share your concerns and will carry your complaint. 

Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified. Mark 15:15

David is the sitting king, but what a fickle people, Absalom carries a very strong presence, powerful, good looking, and look at those chariots and horses. He comes to his father and ask leave to go and honor a vow he made, that he would serve God. As a father, to hear that my child was talking to and now wanting to serve the Lord, what a joy that would be, but whether an outright lie or some delusion of grandeur, David will not soon be proud. Maybe Absalom made a vow, took an oath that he would reign, maybe he used God's name, but God is no way obligated to the whims or vanities of men. God chose David, and it is so strange to me that it is not enough for Absalom to be pardoned, but the murderer would also like to be the judge. Sadly, this is part of the punishment against his father, that which was so painfully prophesied is coming to fruit. Absalom is a pretender on the grandest of scales, not only has he made his mission seem Godly, his task saintly in it's resolve, but he also brings 200 good men of Israel with him. These men think they are going to a feast but all along they are giving, with every step they take, their endorsement to a traitor. Men so often carry the cross, say the name of God in vane, it is nothing new. Those who would prefer David are being confused with those that would overthrow him.

for I have not sent them," declares the LORD, "but they prophesy falsely in My name, in order that I may drive you out and that you may perish, you and the prophets who prophesy to you." Jeremiah 27:15

David sees that the people's hearts have hardened towards him, that they would lift up this abomination of a son. He takes the people of his house and flees the city, the city of Jerusalem, that he has fought hard for, that he prays to see again. He leaves 10 concubines to care for the place, but this will be meat for the wolf who is coming to make desolate. He tells the priest to carry back the ark, for if it is God's will then David will come to see it again. For now he is resigned like Christ to his duty, to mourn upon the mount, to cross over the brook. He for the sins of his own life, the murder of Uriah, the taking of many wives, including she to whom he was unequally yoked, the mother of his tormentor. Christ for the sins of everyone other than Himself, for He knew no sin, but became sin for us. Let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not my will but Yours be done. David is a kind king, caring for those who have converted to his kingdom, asking that Ittai take his men and leave. Why should anyone else be brought into my trouble, my wages? If I have sewn this field then I shall bend my back to harvest it. What an awesome God, Who provides us family outside of our own house, Ittai and his men were not just hired guns, they were not mercenaries for sale to whoever held the state, no ,they had become David's true brothers. They were determined to carry this burden with him, to right him or die with him, "even there also will thy servant be."

There is one among the conspirators that causes David concern, and that is Ahithophel. We should always pray against the counsel of evil doers, those that make themselves close to us, so that they may bring hurt to us, those that shine in the morning, but deal treacherously in the dark. I have this hope in Christ, but while I must deal with the rulers of this present age, I pray for wisdom in how I vote, for who I am seen walking with, and who I would promote. Sometimes I have been quick and wrong, other times I failed to confront, and so when I finally did it was nearly to the time of my own peril.  He climbs the mountain barefoot, too humbled to be desired as a king, and his son takes laps upon his chariot, a striking choice he shall be.

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.”[a] Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus[b] said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.”10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant[c] and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.)11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” John 18:1-11

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#456 Hairy Business

Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.

2 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:

3 And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.

4 And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.

5 And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.

6 And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.

7 And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.

8 And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee.

9 And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.

10 And the king said, Whoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.

11 Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the Lord thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.

12 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.

13 And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.

14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

15 Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.

16 For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.

17 Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the Lord thy God will be with thee.

18 Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the woman said, Let my lord the king now speak.

19 And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:

20 To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.

22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.

23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

24 And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.

25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

26 And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.

27 And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.

28 So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.

29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.

30 Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

31 Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?

32 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.

33 So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom. 2 Samuel 14 KJV

Those who are close to us can often sense our grief, or read our body language, like Amnon's cousin. But this is why one must be careful about who we keep so close to us, and who becomes our adviser. Because you know my habits and can read that I am in pain, does not qualify you as a physician. Now you may give me good advice, little advice or sometimes the best is no advice, for if you don't know then what good is it to make as though you do. I use to get so mad when someone would tell me, "I don't know, let me pray for you," that and a bag of groceries and I wouldn't be hungry anymore I would think, too bad that it wasn't hunger I was dealing with, because those that prayed for me always fed me as well. There is often an obvious answer, I am bored, so go do something. I am mischievous, so go cause trouble, pick a fight. I am broke but I want nice things and a vacation, so go rob a bank. I see a beautiful woman bathing on her balcony, so figure out a way to have her. Joab may be a great adviser when it comes to war, and he may be quite courageous, but he also stepped outside his bounds in taking Abner. He killed Abner in a time of peace between Abner and the king under the pretense of a peaceful meeting with Joab. He may not be the best qualified here to judge the intentions of Absalom, so to plead his case he does it through the words of a wise woman. She, like Samuel, comes with a tale, but be careful, for the lie always comes imitating the truth, the closer the better. If you want your lure to be accepted by the bass, you make it the size of it's prey, you try to conceal the line as much as necessary, you entice her to bite, and then you set the hook and reel her in. 

But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. 15Beware of false prophets. They come to youin sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?…Matthew 7:14-16

There are some issues with her story mingled with some wonderful attributes as well. First off, her son killed the other son in a struggle between the two, in self defense. Absalom spun a web for two years, biding his time, waiting for the right moment, getting his brother as drunk and defenseless as possible, and then having his servants kill him. The woman's son could have retreated to the city of refuge, and her being the next of kin, not wanting to avenge, may have more grounds here if her story was valid. 

He is her only son left, which added upon the previous statements, with more knowledge of the quarrel that took place, David may have room here to show her grace. Absalom was not David's only son left and again, it is in cold blood. 

Her story also intimates that others from the family would like to avenge the death for their own greediness, removing the heir. David can relate to this as one chased by Saul, and also as one not unacquainted with feeling. He asks her for time, but she is insistent that he answer now, which is often a good cue to exit stage right. 

She manages from him the answer that she wants, he gets all loud and kingly like with an oath, "as the Lord liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the floor." He has made an executive decision about a boy who does not exist, and this shall be tied to his own. Samuel did it with the story about a lamb right? Same thing, right? She goes on, and just in case he has somehow missed the comparison, she explains it, like she is prophesying. Everyone loves a good prophesy. Apparently, in deciding this in her favor, he is now at fault for not bringing home his own murderous son. It is not only against his son, but her concern is also for the people of Israel, besides, we all die, and since your disgusting son is the one who is spilt out like water, why cry over what cannot be picked up. Let's move on. Hmmm, it sounds colorful. It is hard to pick up water that is being absorbed into the ground, no doubt about that. God does devise means that His banished be brought back to Him. Now that is interesting, because Israel has often been saved by God, she is set apart by Him, corrected by Him, but He can do this by many or by few. He does not need Absalom; he is not their promised heritage. The woman makes it seem like this is the case, that she fears for the people, maybe an uprising. David senses Joab's hand in this, but it has been entertaining and he does miss his son, so he is happy for this sort of wisdom that would point to the direction of his desire. Besides, the people love Absalom, he is beautiful, he is rash, when he doesn't get an immediate response he burns a field. He draws attention, he gets stuff done, what could be the down side to that? He is Joab's neighbor, and Joab would like to make peace now, since this could be his new king. Joab is happy, David is happy, Absalom is happy, this has to be the right thing. 

For you are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, “Peace and security,”destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.…1Thessalonians 5: 2-4

Absalom doesn't seem much different from his brother. He is spoiled, throws a tantrum to the General of the army, who has also been his advocate, and he gets what he wants. It is not for the love of his father nor to do well before God, but he is now restored to the courts. He holds an office, can make decisions, good or bad probably doesn't matter so much to him. He is weaving another web, and I wonder at the first one, since he did press his father to come. 

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