INTRODUCTION: David is still reaping what he has sown. One of the judgments given by Nathan was that a neighbor would “lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun” (2 Samuel 12:11Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
See All...). By the end of this lesson, Absalom does just that on the roof from which David had first looked on Bathsheba. Galatians 6:7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
See All... is fulfilled in this lesson.

1. ABSALOM STOLE THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE (2 Samuel 15:1-6 [1] 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.
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1. He Made a Show of Importance (2 Samuel 15:1And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
   See All...; Psalm 49:18Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
   See All...; Acts 25:23And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
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1. He prepared chariots and horses.
2. He had fifty men to run before him.
2. He Took Everyone’s Side (2 Samuel 15:2-4 [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!
   See All...).
1. He stood beside the way of the gate (2 Samuel 15:2And 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, 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.
   See All...); where important men would gather (Genesis 19:1And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
   See All..., 9).
2. He took notice of the men who came to court (2 Samuel 15:2And 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, 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.
   See All...).
3. He took their side in whatever dispute they were in (2 Samuel 15:3And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
   See All...).
4. He wished aloud that he had the authority to help them (2 Samuel 15:4Absalom 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!
   See All...).
3. He Treated Others as Equals (2 Samuel 15:5-6 [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.
   See All...).
1. He treated him as a dear friend (2 Samuel 15:5And 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.
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1. He took him by the hand (Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
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2. He kissed him (2 Samuel 20:9And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.
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2. He stole their hearts (2 Samuel 15:6And 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.
   See All...; Proverbs 20:19He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
   See All...; 2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
   See All...).
2. ABSALOM CONSPIRED AGAINST HIS FATHER DAVID (2 Samuel 15:7-12 [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.
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1. Absalom Went to Hebron (2 Samuel 15:7-9 [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.
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1. Evidently, Absalom was forty years old (2 Samuel 15:7And 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.
   See All...); the forty years could have referred to the time since David had initially been anointed king (1 Samuel 16:13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
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2. He requested of David to go to Hebron (2 Samuel 15:7-8 [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.
   See All...), the place of his birth.
3. David told him to go in peace (2 Samuel 15:9And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.
   See All...).
2. Absalom Set Up His Kingdom (2 Samuel 15:10-12 [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.
   See All...).
1. Absalom sent out spies announcing his reign (2 Samuel 15:10But 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.
   See All...).
2. Absalom took 200 men who went in simplicity (2 Samuel 15:11And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.
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3. Absalom took Ahithophel, David’s counselor, with him (2 Samuel 15:12And 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.
   See All...).
1. Ahithophel had a son named Eliam who was one of David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23:34Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
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2. Eliam had a daughter named Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
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3. Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba; this could explain his rebellion against David.
4. The people increased continually with Absalom (2 Samuel 15:12And 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.
   See All...).
3. DAVID FLED FOR HIS LIFE FROM JERUSALEM (2 Samuel 15:13-23 [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.
   See All...)
1. David Decided to Flee (2 Samuel 15:13-16 [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.
   See All...).
1. David received word of the extent of the rebellion (2 Samuel 15:13And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
   See All...).
2. David quickly decided to flee from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:14-15 [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.
   See All...).
3. David left ten concubines to keep the house (2 Samuel 15:16And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
   See All...).
2. David’s Men Went with Him (2 Samuel 15:17-18 [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.
   See All...).
3. Ittai the Gittite Went with Him (2 Samuel 15:19-22 [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.
   See All...).
1. David encouraged Ittai to stay in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:19-20 [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.
   See All...).
1. He is a stranger in the land (2 Samuel 15:19Then 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.
   See All...).
2. He is a newcomer to the land (2 Samuel 15:20Whereas 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.
   See All...).
3. David knew not what would happen to him (2 Samuel 15:20Whereas 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.
   See All...).
2. Ittai insisted that he stay with the king (2 Samuel 15:21And 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.
   See All...).
1. He would be where his lord the king was (John 12:26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
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2. Whether in life or in death
3. Ittai came with all his men and little ones (2 Samuel 15:22And 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.
   See All...).
4. They Passed over the Brook Kidron (2 Samuel 15:23And 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.
   See All...).
4. DAVID LEFT FRIENDS IN THE CITY (2 Samuel 15:24-37 [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.
   See All...)
1. Zadok and Abithar the Priests Stayed (2 Samuel 15:24-29 [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.
   See All...).
1. The priests came bearing the ark of the covenant (2 Samuel 15:24And 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.
   See All...).
2. David sent them back to the city (2 Samuel 15:25-26 [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.
   See All...).
1. If the Lord brings me back, I will see it again (2 Samuel 15:25And 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:
   See All...).
2. If the Lord lets me fall, that is His choice (2 Samuel 15:26But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.
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3. David requested that they send him word by their sons (2 Samuel 15:27-28 [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.
   See All...).
4. The priests returned to Jerusalem with the ark (2 Samuel 15:29Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
   See All...).
2. David’s Company Passed Mount Olivet (2 Samuel 15:30And 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.
   See All...).
1. David mourned as he went.
2. The people with him mourned.
3. Hushai the Archite Stayed (2 Samuel 15:31-37 [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.
   See All...).
1. David heard of the conspiracy of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31And 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.
   See All...); David prayed for the defeat of his counsel.
2. Hushai met David at the top of the mount (2 Samuel 15:32And 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:
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1. Where David worshipped God
2. He came with his coat rent and earth on his head.
3. David sent him back to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:33-34 [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.
   See All...).
1. Hushai would be a burden in warfare (2 Samuel 15:33Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:
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2. But he might be used to defeat Ahithophel’s counsel (2 Samuel 15:34But 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.
   See All...).
4. David began to form a plan (2 Samuel 15:35-37 [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.
   See All...).
1. Zadok and Abiathar could receive news from Hushai (2 Samuel 15:35And 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.
   See All...).
2. Ahimaaz and Jonathan could bring it to David (2 Samuel 15:36Behold, 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.
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3. Hushai went back to the city (2 Samuel 15:37So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
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5. DAVID SUFFERED REPROACH AS HE LEFT (2 Samuel 16:1-14 [1] 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 LORD hath bidden him. [12] It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will 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.
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1. Ziba Reported on Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 16:1-4 [1] 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.
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1. Ziba met David with supplies for his servants (2 Samuel 16:1-2 [1] 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.
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2. Ziba reported that Mephibosheth rejoiced in the rebellion (2 Samuel 16:3And 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.
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3. David promised to Ziba all things belonging to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 16:4Then 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.
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2. Shimei Cursed David as He Left (2 Samuel 16:5-14 [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 LORD hath bidden him. [12] It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will 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.
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1. Shimei, of the house of Saul, cursed David as he left (2 Samuel 16:5-8 [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.
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2. David refused to let Abishai kill Shimei (2 Samuel 16:9-14 [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 LORD hath bidden him. [12] It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will 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.
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6. ABSALOM ENTERED JERUSALEM IN VICTORY (2 Samuel 16:15-23 [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.
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1. Absalom Entered Jerusalem with Ahithophel (2 Samuel 16:15And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
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2. Hushai Offered His Services to Absalom (2 Samuel 16:16-19 [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.
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3. Absalom Went into David’s Concubines (2 Samuel 16:20-23 [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.
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CONCLUSION: David continues to reap the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba. Now the entire kingdom must suffer as Absalom attempts to usurp the throne of his father. The cost of sin will always outweigh the temporary pleasure it offers.