2 Samuel 15

Absalom’s Hustle to Steal the Throne

1 After all that, Absalom pulled up stunning, chariots, horses, and 50 men running in front like a parade.

2 He would post up early at the city gate. Anytime someone came to get justice from the king, Absalom would step in first.

3 He would say, “Listen, your case is solid, too bad the king does not have anybody listening to folks like you.”

4 Then he would say, “If I was judge, I would make sure you got justice. I would hear everybody out.”

5 When folks tried to bow to him, he would grab them, hug them, show love, real personal.

6 He did this to everybody coming for help from the king. Little by little, he stole the hearts of the people.

The Setup in Hebron

7 After four years of this, Absalom said, “Let me go to Hebron to keep a vow I made to God.”

8 “When I was in Geshur, I promised God: ‘If You bring me back, I am going to worship You in Hebron.’”

9 The king said, “Go in peace.” So Absalom headed to Hebron.

10 But he also sent secret messengers all across Israel: “When you hear the trumpet, shout, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron!’”

11 He took 200 men from Jerusalem with him, they did not know the plan, they just thought it was a royal trip.

12 While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he called Ahithophel, David’s advisor, to join him. The rebellion gained strength, more and more folks joined Absalom.

David Gets the Word

13 A messenger came to David and said, “The hearts of the people are with Absalom now.”

14 David told his crew, “We must move. If we stay here, Absalom will trap us, take the city, and kill everyone.”

15 His servants said, “Whatever you decide, we are riding with you.”

Fleeing the Palace

16 David left with his whole household, but left ten concubines behind to watch the palace.

17 The king and his people stopped at the last house outside the city.

18 All his guards, Cherethites, Pelethites, and 600 Gittites, marched in front of him.

19 David said to Ittai the Gittite, “You new here. No need to go with me. Stay and serve the new king.”

20 “You just got here. Do not get caught up in my drama. Go back with your people.”

21 But Ittai said, “Wherever you go, I go, whether to live or die. I am with you, king.”

22 David said, “Alright then, come on.” So Ittai and his people joined David.

The People Weep

23 Everyone in the city cried loud as David and his crew crossed the Kidron Valley and headed to the wilderness.

24 Zadok the priest came too, with Levites carrying the Ark of God. Abiathar was there too. They set the Ark down until everyone passed by.

25 David said, “Take the Ark back to the city. If God has got favor on me, He will bring me back to see it again.”

26 “But if He says, ‘I am done with you,’ then let Him do whatever He thinks is right.”

27 David told Zadok, “You and Abiathar stay in the city. You are priests, you will know what is going on.”

28 “I will wait in the wilderness at the fords until I hear from you all.”

29 So Zadok and Abiathar took the Ark back to Jerusalem and stayed there.

David Keeps It Moving

30 David walked up the Mount of Olives, barefoot and crying, with his head covered. Everyone with him did the same.

31 Somebody told David, “Ahithophel’s rolling with Absalom.” David prayed, “Lord, turn his advice into foolishness.”

Hushai the Spy

32 When David reached the top of the hill to worship, Hushai the Arkite showed up, clothes torn, dirt on his head.

33 David said, “If you come with me, you will just slow me down.”

34 “But if you go back and act loyal to Absalom, you can counter Ahithophel’s advice.”

35 “Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be with you, tell them everything.”

36 “Their sons will run messages back to me with anything they hear.”

37 So Hushai went back to Jerusalem just as Absalom was rolling in.