Ungrateful Child
Broken Crown, Unshakable Kingdom • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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1 After this, Absalom got himself a chariot, horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2 He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for settlement, Absalom called out to him and asked, “What city are you from?” If he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,” 3 Absalom said to him, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king does not have anyone to listen to you.” 4 He added, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would make sure he received justice.” 5 When a person approached to pay homage to him, Absalom reached out his hand, took hold of him, and kissed him. 6 Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for a settlement. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
So, Absalom killed his 1/2 brother Amnon who raped Abslom’s sister and his 1/2 sister Tamar.
He spent 2 years in exile until David sent for him… but it was another 2 years before before David relented and fully restored Absalom into his presence.
Some unspecified time after those events Absalom gets himself a chariot and horses - he is the first Israelite specifically mentioned in the Bible to do this.
Samuel also prophesied - 1 Samuel 8:11 “11 He said, “These are the rights of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and put them to his use in his chariots, on his horses, or running in front of his chariots.” - This was not a prophecy that was good, God told Samuel and Samuel told the people this would happen if they chose a king over Him - they did so here we are.
We have seen other kings using chariots and horses so they are symbolic of power and royalty - but they have to date been used by enemies of Israel.
Absalom using them was joining his ambitions with symbols of hostility against the Lord and Israel - all those who rode against Israel have ultimately faced defeat as well.
The other part of the prophecy is that he employed 50 men to run ahead of him. This would make him look more impressive everywhere he went.
As mentioned before, one of the major functions of Isreal’s leaders was to administer divine justice for the Lord’s people.
Even though Absalom was not king he began carrying out this executive responsibility as though he were king.
He would get up before sunrise and stand beside the road just outside the gate allowing him to intercept all the citizens who came to seek justice from David’s court.
Last week we mentioned how good looking Absalom was and now we find out is really adept at interpersonal skills - he would ask where they were from pretending to take a personal interest in each person.
He also told that their “claims are good and right” - this is very duplicitous, at least some of the complaints that come before him must have been without merit.
To be honest this story sounds alot like todays politics - one side says the other isn’t doing something then tries to do what already is being done - all with the intent to make themselves look better and not to actually help the people
Absalom, “stole the hearts” of the people - he sowed division between them and the king under false pretenses then gives them what they want (not what they need) thus getting them on his side.
7 When four years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I made to the Lord. 8 For your servant made a vow when I lived in Geshur of Aram, saying, ‘If the Lord really brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the Lord in Hebron.’ ” 9 “Go in peace,” the king said to him. So he went to Hebron.
Absalom was playing the game again - he carried out his scheme at the gate for 4 years.
Now on to phase two.
Absalom asked David for permission of “go to Hebron” - the same city in which David had been anointed as King over Judah - supposedly to fulfill a vow made to the Lord.
It sounds good on the surface but waiting 4 years to fulfill the vow takes some luster off the request. Taking this long should have raised questions about his true devotion to the Lord and his true motives.
If David had any misgivings about the request he didn’t express it.
Hebron is where Asbalom was born and a significant religious center so the request must not have seemed unreasonable - besides, if David prevented him from fulfilling a sacred vow, he himself might have to bear the responsibility for forcing his son to disobey the Torah.
Som he let him go.
10 Then Absalom sent agents throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the trumpet, you are to say, ‘Absalom has become king in Hebron!’ ” 11 Two hundred men from Jerusalem went with Absalom. They had been invited and were going innocently, for they did not know the whole situation. 12 While he was offering the sacrifices, Absalom sent for David’s adviser Ahithophel (akh-ee-tho-fel) the Gilonite, from his city of Giloh. So the conspiracy grew strong, and the people supporting Absalom continued to increase.
Now in Hebron, 20 miles from his father and behind the strong city walls he makes another move to usurp the throne.
It is time to take this public - Absalom sends out secret messengers through all of Israel.
Once in place there were to wait for the signal - once they heard the trumpets then they announce “Absalom is king in Hebron” - this includes a call to arms for those who supported Absalom in his efforts.
Possibly one of the most brilliant aspects of Absalom’s plot may have beed his success in emptying Jerusalem of some of its most valuable administrators - Absalom hand picked them - they were “invited”.
The author says the were “going innocently” - meaning they were not part of plan but now they are there they have become hostages and if they didn’t go along they risked death.
Next Absalom brings in Ahithophel (akh-ee-tho-fel) who is one of the kings most trusted advisors - the question becomes, why did he switch sides?
It is not said but the fact that Dave had unlawful sexual relations with Ahithophel’s (akh-ee-tho-fel) granddaughter and murdered her husband, Uriah, may have played a role in the decision.
As key players fell into place other would join the rebellion.
13 Then an informer came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” 14 David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Get up. We have to flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! Leave quickly, or he will overtake us quickly, heap disaster on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” 15 The king’s servants said to the king, “Whatever my lord the king decides, we are your servants.” 16 Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace.
An unnamed informer came and reported the revolt to David.
David made a quick and possible very accurate assessment that if they stayed they would be in danger so he gave the order to flee.
The servants that remained with the king were steadfast in their support of the king and they would do whatever he commanded.
Throwing a quick plan together they set off eastward, though it seemed he was not sure exactly where he was heading but it was opposite of Hebron.
David even left behind some to take care of the palace.
17 So the king set out, and all the people followed him. They stopped at the last house 18 while all his servants marched past him. Then all the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and the people of Gath—six hundred men who came with him from there—marched past the king. 19 The king said to Ittai (it-tah-ee) of Gath, “Why are you also going with us? Go back and stay with the new king since you’re both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. 20 Besides, you only arrived yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I go wherever I can? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the Lord show you kindness and faithfulness.” 21 But in response, Ittai vowed to the king, “As the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, whether it means life or death, your servant will be there!” 22 “March on,” David replied to Ittai. So Ittai of Gath marched past with all his men and the dependents who were with him.
“The last house” may not have been a specific place but merely indicating someplace far away from the palace.
When they stopped the people were organized the group more effectively for military action if necessary.
Looking over the people accompanying them David began to question one group - the people of Gath aka Philistines.
David is no stranger to an enemy force switching sides in the middle of a battle - he himself was sent away for fear that he would do that.
David spoke to the leader, Ittai (it-tah-ee), giving him the opportunity to leave without question and return to Absalom - the purpose is for their benefit in case this encounter goes bad for David and those with him.
Ittai (it-tah-ee) confounded Daviid but not only rejecting the kings command but also binding himself to David with a loyalty oath - swearing the oath in the name of Yahweh and David.
Hearing the oath David simply responds, “march on”.
23 Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly while all the people were marching out of the city. As the king was crossing the Kidron Valley, all the people were marching past on the road that leads to the wilderness. 24 Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set the ark of God down, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until the people had finished marching past. 25 Then the king instructed Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor with the Lord, he will bring me back and allow me to see both it and its dwelling place. 26 However, if he should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am—he can do with me whatever pleases him.” 27 The king also said to the priest Zadok, “Look, return to the city in peace and your two sons with you: your son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan. 28 Remember, I’ll wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and stayed there.
David was a king without a capital city but he was not without support - as the entourage moved, people from all over the countryside came out, weeping as they passed.
A large portion of David’s support came from the religious community. David consistently provided support for the Levites and had given them a positioin of prominence in the royal city and his administration.
Zadok, the hight priest, and all the Levites joined in the exodus from Jerusalem and they brought the Ark of the Lord with them.
David was responsible for bringing the ark into Jerusalem because he believed he was fulfilling Torah prophecy that the Lord had chosen Jerusalm as the place where He would cause His name to rest.
Now because of the events at hand David is feeling responsible for the ark leaving Jerusalem - and this is unacceptable.
While the ark has been present in many of Israel’s victories David does not want to use it as a trinket for his benefit - so he orders the ark be returned to where it is supposed to be.
David has a very wise and God honoring attitude - if God is for him then all will be well but if God is displeased with him then he will accept whatever the judgment God levels at him - David knows it was God who put him on the throne and if God wants him there then God will make sure he is there.
Still the ever shrewd leader, David had two reasons for sending the priests back - the first was to return the ark but second was to act as spies - David would wait until the priests sent word to him regarding Absalom’s plans and movements.
Zadok and Abiathar agreed and returne to Jerusalem.
30 David was climbing the slope of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he ascended. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. All of the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they ascended. 31 Then someone reported to David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” “Lord,” David pleaded, “please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” 32 When David came to the summit where he used to worship God, Hushai (khoo-shah-ee) the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go away with me, you’ll be a burden to me, 34 but if you return to the city and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, Your Majesty! Previously, I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant,’ then you can counteract Ahithophel’s counsel for me. 35 Won’t the priests Zadok and Abiathar be there with you? Report everything you hear from the palace to the priests Zadok and Abiathar. 36 Take note: their two sons are there with them—Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan. Send them to tell me everything you hear.” 37 So Hushai, David’s personal adviser, entered Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.
Here we get a forshadowing of a future relative of David’s who this area will play a great role in His ministry - Jesus.
David is moving about and weeping, his head is covered and he is barefoot - all these are signs of deep grief and sorrow - this is where the garden of Gethsemane is located John 18:1 “1 After Jesus had said these things, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron Valley, where there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.”
David received word that his most trusted advisor was now helping Absalom - David’s response… pray, ask God to intervene.
David did not ask God to remove his enemy but to make “Ahithiophel’s (akh-ee-tho-fel) counsel foolishness”
Right after he prayed and arrived at his location one of David’s servants Hushai (khoo-shah-ee) was waiting there… God immediately answered David’s prayer.
David sent him back to Absalom who would have valued him as a valuable asset - the reality is that he was a deep cover spy for David.
1 When David had gone a little beyond the summit, Ziba, Mephibosheth’s servant, was right there to meet him. He had a pair of saddled donkeys loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters of raisins, one hundred bunches of summer fruit, and a clay jar of wine. 2 The king said to Ziba, “Why do you have these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride, the bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat, and the wine is for those to drink who become exhausted in the wilderness.” 3 “Where is your master’s grandson?” the king asked. “Why, he’s staying in Jerusalem,” Ziba replied to the king, “for he said, ‘Today, the house of Israel will restore my grandfather’s kingdom to me.’ ” 4 The king said to Ziba, “All that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours!” “I bow before you,” Ziba said. “May I find favor with you, my lord the king!”
Ziba is waiting for David - Ziba is the servant of Mephibosheth and previously Saul - he brought gifts, saddle donkeys and food for the people.
David is suspicious, after all it was the house of Saul who worked against David for 7 years.
He asked 2 questions - why did you bring this and where is Mephibosheth? He explained the food and his answer for Mephiboseth is he thinks Saul’s kingdom will be restored to him.
True or not, David believes him and makes a quick decision - he disinherits Mephibosheth and gives it to Ziba - He will amend this decision later but the reason for the decision is that Ziba is the only one who showed up…
5 When King David got to Bahurim, a man belonging to the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he was yelling curses as he approached. 6 He threw stones at David and at all the royal servants, the people and the warriors on David’s right and left. 7 Shimei said as he cursed, “Get out, get out, you man of bloodshed, you wicked man! 8 The Lord has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul in whose place you became king, and the Lord has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. Look, you are in trouble because you’re a man of bloodshed!”
Shimei is a relative of Saul and comes out and hurls insults and stones at David and his group - Shimei believes that David’s current trouble is a judgment from the Lord for his actions against Saul (which is a false claim).
9 Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and remove his head!” 10 The king replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, do we agree on anything? He curses me this way because the Lord told him, ‘Curse David!’ Therefore, who can say, ‘Why did you do that?’ ” 11 Then David said to Abishai and all his servants, “Look, my own son, my own flesh and blood, intends to take my life—how much more now this Benjaminite! Leave him alone and let him curse me; the Lord has told him to. 12 Perhaps the Lord will see my affliction and restore goodness to me instead of Shimei’s curses today.”
Shimel’s threats are disturbing for many of those following Saul - so much so that Abishai volunteered to go kill him.
David said no and mainly because he is not sure if maybe God is actually judging him for past sins and he doesn’t want to add another infraction to the list by killing a messenger of God.
Besides maybe God will take mercy on him because of all he’s going through.
13 So David and his men proceeded along the road as Shimei was going along the ridge of the hill opposite him. As Shimei went, he cursed David, threw stones at him, and kicked up dust. 14 Finally, the king and all the people with him arrived exhausted, so they rested there. 15 Now Absalom and all the Israelites came to Jerusalem. Ahithophel was also with him. 16 When David’s friend Hushai the Archite came to Absalom, Hushai said to Absalom, “Long live the king! Long live the king!” 17 “Is this your loyalty to your friend?” Absalom asked Hushai. “Why didn’t you go with your friend?” 18 “Not at all,” Hushai answered Absalom. “I am on the side of the one that the Lord, this people, and all the men of Israel have chosen. I will stay with him. 19 Furthermore, whom will I serve if not his son? As I served in your father’s presence, I will also serve in yours.” 20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give me your advice. What should we do?” 21 Ahithophel replied to Absalom, “Sleep with your father’s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become repulsive to your father, everyone with you will be encouraged.” 22 So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23 Now the advice Ahithophel gave in those days was like someone asking about a word from God—such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.
Undaunted by Shimeii’s persistent show of hatred the group continued until they arrived at the ford.
FYI - their path was about 20 miles and descended some 3,700 feet to the Jordan River.
The group was exhausted physically and emotionally but they were relatively safe there so the rested and “refreshed” themselves.
Verse 15 kicks back to where the narrative left off in 15:37 - these events occured while the events of 16:1-14 took place.
Absalom was now in Jerusalem and Hushai (khoo-shah-ee) presented himself to Absalom. Absalom rightfully questions Hushai (khoo-shah-ee) but the most successful acts of deceit and subterfuge recorded in history have begun.
Hushai (khoo-shah-ee) is called friend here instead of servant - this subtle switch lets us know that he is committed to David and deceiving Absalom.
He does this by letting Absalom know that he stays with the king, even going as far as saying the “one God and the people have chosen”.
The last part of this passage confirms Ahithophel’s (akh-ee-tho-fel) reason behind his support and counseling of Absalom. He cousels Absalom to have sex with David’s concubines - they would be off limits much like Bathsheba was for David. The act is to take place in public unlike David’s which took place in private. A tent was set on the roof, they very roof David committed adultery in his heart with Bathsheba.
Ahithophel’s (akh-ee-tho-fel) counsel was taken serious and so the plan was set in motion but there was a flaw in the plan… the plan required the performance of a deed strictly forbidden in the Torah.
When Absalom has sexual relations with the members of his father’s harem, he committed a crime so heinous that the Torah mandated the death penalty Leviticus 20:11 “11 If a man sleeps with his father’s wife, he has violated the intimacy that belongs to his father. Both of them must be put to death; their death is their own fault.”
Absalom may escape David’s hand but he could never escape the Lord’s - divine judgment would ultimately prevail but we’ll discuss that in a little while.
