The Tide Turns
Broken Crown, Unshakable Kingdom • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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1 Ahithophel (Achiythophel) said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight. 2 I will attack him while he is weary and discouraged, throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will scatter. I will strike down only the king 3 and bring all the people back to you. When everyone returns except the man you’re looking for, all the people will be at peace.” 4 This proposal seemed right to Absalom and all the elders of Israel.
Absalom had succeeded in winning the hearts of the people and rallying support for his assent to the throne. He had one task left to accomplish… kill his father, David.
As long as David lived he was a threat to Absalom’s throne but no enemy had ever secceeded in capturing or killing David in spite of repeated efforts.
So (Achiythophel) devised a plan and as mentioned previously (Achiythophel) was regarded highly and his counsel as that rivaling an angel of God.
His plan incuded 3 hallmarks of classic military strategy: use of overwhelming force, the element of surprise and a narrowly focused objective.
Overwhelming force - 12,000 vs 2000, Element of surprise - at night, Narrowly focused - kill the king and target him only.
Absalom like the plan and so did the other leaders.
5 Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai (Chuwshay) the Archite also. Let’s hear what he has to say as well.” 6 So Hushai (Chuwshay) came to Absalom, and Absalom told him, “Ahithophel (Achiythophel) offered this proposal. Should we carry out his proposal? If not, what do you say?” 7 Hushai (Chuwshay) replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel (Achiythophel) has given this time is not good.” 8 Hushai (Chuwshay) continued, “You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with the people. 9 He’s probably already hiding in one of the caves or some other place. If some of our troops fall first, someone is sure to hear and say, ‘There’s been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 Then, even a brave man with the heart of a lion will lose heart because all Israel knows that your father and the valiant men with him are warriors. 11 Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba—as numerous as the sand by the sea—be gathered to you and that you personally go into battle. 12 Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. Not even one will be left—neither he nor any of the men with him. 13 If he retreats to some city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag its stones into the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.”
For some reason Absalom did not take just one mans advice but called for (Chuwshay) to give his plan as well.
Hushai (Chuwshay) did a masterful job with his counsel - in one fail swoop he discredited (Achiythophel), undermined Absalom’s confidence, magnified Absalom’s worst fears and bout precious time for David to escape and regroup.
The key to Hushai’s (Chuwshay) agrument, David had been underestimated - this was no ordinary foe and weary as suggested - I love the illustrations of being “desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs”…
Hushai (Chuwshay) suggests using the largest force they could muster and kill all the people with David leaving no question as to who was victorious.
Now militarily speaking (Achiythophel’s) plan was much better and would accomplish exactly what was desired but it wasn’t the new plan that made the difference in was something else…
14 Since the Lord had decreed that Ahithophel’s (Achiythophel) good advice be undermined in order to bring about Absalom’s ruin, Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai (Chuwshay)the Archite is better than Ahithophel’s (Achiythophel) advice.” 15 Hushai (Chuwshay) then told the priests Zadok and Abiathar, “This is what Ahithophel (Achiythophel) advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I advised. 16 Now send someone quickly and tell David, ‘Don’t spend the night at the wilderness ford, but be sure to cross over the Jordan, or the king and all the people with him will be devoured.’ ”
God stepped in and confused the minds of Absalom and the other leaders - this led them to believe (Chuwshay)’s plan was superior to (Achiythophel’s)
Hushai (Chuwshay) immediately went and let the priests know what had happened so they could go tell David.
Just in case Absalom changed his mind the message was to leave be ready for a possible attack.
17 Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, because they dared not be seen entering the city. 18 However, a young man did see them and informed Absalom. So the two left quickly and came to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. 19 Then his wife took the cover, placed it over the mouth of the well, and scattered grain on it so nobody would know anything. 20 Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house and asked, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” “They passed by toward the water,” the woman replied to them. The men searched but did not find them, so they returned to Jerusalem.
So they didn’t draw attention to their actions Joanathan and Ahimaaz used a servant girl to carry the message - they used the task of her coming to draw water (En-rogel - is a spring between Judah and Benjamin)
Unfortunately they were spotted and someone tattled to Absalom. So the two priests slapped in B for boogie and got out of there.
They came to an unnamed man in Bahurim who was apprently loyal to David and seemed to be wealthy because he had a courtyard with it’s own well.
The well is where the 2 men hid - to make sure they were hid well the man’s wife covered it and scattered grain all over the top to make it looked undisturbed.
Abaslom’s servants showed up - notice it was the wife at home and no mention of the husband cause they were keeping up normal appearances.
A little deception once again was used to save lives so technically not against the letter of the Torah law… she told them they were there but kept going.
21 After they had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed out of the well and went and informed King David. They told him, “Get up and immediately ford the river, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” 22 So David and all the people with him got up and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one who had not crossed the Jordan.
When the servant left Ahimaaz and Jonathan went themselves to inform the king - they told him to prepare for the worst case scenario - an imminent pre-dawn lightning attack.
David and his group had just finished a 20 mile hike and would probably be looking forward to a night of rest.
Instead they got up and made the trek through the dangerous rushing waters of the Jordan in almost total darkness.
God had His hand of protection on them and by morning no one was left who hadn’t crossed the river.
23 When Ahithophel (Achiythophel) realized that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He set his house in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
As night fell and Israel’s troop were still in Jerusalem Achiythopehl) realized that his counsel had not been taken.
This was his best chance to eliminate David and now that was gone along with any hope of retaining the preeminent position of influence.
As wise as he was he also knew any other plan would probably not succeed and if David regained control the he would be executed as a traitor.
Seeing no other options, (Achiythophel) took his own life…
The author is not writing to give us the ethics of suicide - but (Achiythophel) being the wisest man in Israel chose this option show us that human wisdom untempered by divine revelation produces results that are neither desirable nor productive.
24 David had arrived at Mahanaim (Machanayim) by the time Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. 25 Now Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in Joab’s place. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra the Israelite; Ithra had married Abigail daughter of Nahash. Abigail was a sister to Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 26 And Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. 27 When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim 28 brought beds, basins, and pottery items. They also brought wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, 29 honey, curds, sheep, goats, and cheese from the herd for David and the people with him to eat. They had reasoned, “The people must be hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.”
David arrived at Mahanaim (Machanayim) - this is where Jacob met angels and named the place “God’s camp” - it is also where Ish-Bosheth governed Israel.
It is crazy how so much of the issues are from family - Absalom as David’s son, Amasa, the army commander is David’s nephew and cousin to Joab.
While there were many Israelites east of the Jordan, David had his key supporters as well.
Each of the individuals mentioned here were wealthy and perhaps owed the preservation of their wealth to David’s successful military campaigns - Makir may have been appreciative for David’s support of Mephibosheth whom he himself had previously provided for.
Collectively the 3 provided an impressive supply of material to meet the practical needs of David and his people.
This gift of supplies and food could be where David was inspired to write Psalm 23:5 “5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” .
1 David reviewed his troops and appointed commanders of thousands and of hundreds over them. 2 He then sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai of Gath. The king said to the troops, “I must also march out with you.” 3 “You must not go!” the people pleaded. “If we have to flee, they will not pay any attention to us. Even if half of us die, they will not pay any attention to us because you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore, it is better if you support us from the city.” 4 “I will do whatever you think is best,” the king replied to them. So he stood beside the city gate while all the troops marched out by hundreds and thousands. 5 The king commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, “Treat the young man Absalom gently for my sake.” All the people heard the king’s orders to all the commanders about Absalom.
Settled for the moment David quickly prepares for a coming battle and organizes his troops - David knew the advantages inherent in striking first - being able to chose the time and site of the conflict - so he acted quickly.
The organization - troops - commanders of hundreds - commanders of thousands - 3 commanding officers, each with equal authority - and the supreme commander, David.
David fully intended to march out with them but his commanders balked at that idea - the reason is that no matter what happened in the battle David would be able to continue the fight by staying safe and commanding from the city.
David recogniized the wisdom and in an uncharacteristic display of royal deference agreed to “do whatever” they thought best.
So David reviewed the troops as they marched out past the gate - one last command… be gentle with Absalom.
David was not quite about the command either - he said it for all the people to hear.
6 Then David’s forces marched into the field to engage Israel in battle, which took place in the forest of Ephraim. 7 Israel’s army was defeated by David’s soldiers, and the slaughter there was vast that day—twenty thousand dead. 8 The battle spread over the entire area, and that day the forest claimed more people than the sword. 9 Absalom was riding on his mule when he happened to meet David’s soldiers. When the mule went under the tangled branches of a large oak tree, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so he was suspended in midair. 10 One of the men saw him and informed Joab. He said, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!” 11 “You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten silver pieces and a belt!” 12 The man replied to Joab, “Even if I had the weight of a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For we heard the king command you, Abishai, and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for me.’ 13 If I had jeopardized my own life—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me.” 14 Joab said, “I’m not going to waste time with you!” He then took three spears in his hand and thrust them into Absalom’s chest. While Absalom was still alive in the oak tree, 15 ten young men who were Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. 16 Joab blew the trumpet, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab restrained them. 17 They took Absalom, threw him into a large pit in the forest, and raised up a huge mound of stones over him. And all Israel fled, each to his tent.
Changing the battle site was a brilliant move- often the battle took place out in the open but this one took place in the forest.
By using the forest it effectively negated the size advantage Absalom’s forces had over David’s and it worked beautifully.
They spread Absalom’s forces out so they couldn’t mount a united attack and they utilized the terrain to their advantage - vs8 says “the forrest claimed more people than the sword”
The mule Absalom was riding went under an oak tree causing Absalom to get caught in the limbs of the tree - remember he had really think, long hair which may have been what got caught - whatever it was, he was stuck.
The mule kept going causing him to “hang” from the tree.
The report was that Absalom was “hanging” in and oak tree - the word hanging is used on once in the Torah - Deuteronomy 21:23 “23…for anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse…”
Absalom had rebelled against divine law by rebelling against his father and sleeping with David’s harem - he could not escape God’s judgment.
When Joab heard one of the men saw Absalom he was angry the man hadn’t killed him - apparently Joab determined the only way to end the conflict was to kill Absalom. so he offered a reward.
The soldier however, would not betray the kings order and harm Absalom - besides the king would find out an no amount of money could save his life and if Joab would disobey they king there is no way he wouldn’t betray this random soldier.
Well Joab and his armor-bearers were undeterred by the soldiers warning so they went to find Absalom - and sure enough he was dangling right where the soldier saw him.
Joab stuck 3 spears into the heart of Absalom and his bearers followed suit.
Absalom is dead and Joab believing Absalom to be the only threat to the throne blew the shofar to end the conflict.
Obeying the Torah they removed Absaloms body from the tree but they buried him rather unceremoniously by throwing him into a pit in the forest.
By doing this is denies Absalom the honor of being buried in the family tomb - there was also symbolic implications. 1. it excluded Absalom from the promised land, 2. It identifies Achan who rebelled earlier against the Lord’s word, 3. It identified him with the Canaanite king of Ai implying that Absalom was an enemy to the Lord’s people and 4. It fulfilled the Torah’s demand that a rebellious son be stoned.
Word spread quickly so all of Israel fled to their tents or homes.
18 When he was alive, Absalom had taken a pillar and raised it up for himself in the King’s Valley, since he thought, “I have no son to preserve the memory of my name.” So he named the pillar after himself. It is still called Absalom’s Monument today. 19 Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Please let me run and tell the king the good news that the Lord has vindicated him by freeing him from his enemies.” 20 Joab replied to him, “You are not the man to take good news today. You may do it another day, but today you aren’t taking good news, because the king’s son is dead.” 21 Joab then said to a Cushite, “Go tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed to Joab and took off running. 22 However, Ahimaaz son of Zadok persisted and said to Joab, “No matter what, please let me also run behind the Cushite!” Joab replied, “My son, why do you want to run since you won’t get a reward?” 23 “No matter what, I want to run!” “Then run!” Joab said to him. So Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.
Ahimaaz wanted to take the good news that David’s troops were victorious especially seeing as he was part of the duo who told the king to flee in the first place
Joab denied the request mainly because the news was not all good and previously David killed those who had brought the news of both Saul’s and Ish-Bosheth’s deaths.
Instead of risking Ahimaaz’s life he sent an non-Israelite to tell the king.
Ahimaaz was determined so Joab let him go thinking he would stay back and let the other give the news first but Ahimaaz was too fast.
24 David was sitting between the city gates when the watchman went up to the roof of the city gate and over to the wall. The watchman looked out and saw a man running alone. 25 He called out and told the king. The king said, “If he’s alone, he bears good news.” As the first runner came closer, 26 the watchman saw another man running. He called out to the gatekeeper, “Look! Another man is running alone!” “This one is also bringing good news,” said the king. 27 The watchman said, “The way the first man runs looks to me like the way Ahimaaz son of Zadok runs.” “This is a good man; he comes with good news,” the king commented. 28 Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well,” and paid homage to the king with his face to the ground. He continued, “Blessed be the Lord your God! He delivered up the men who rebelled against my lord the king.” 29 The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” Ahimaaz replied, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and your servant, I saw a big disturbance, but I don’t know what it was.” 30 The king said, “Move aside and stand here.” So he stood to one side. 31 Just then the Cushite came and said, “May my lord the king hear the good news: The Lord has vindicated you today by freeing you from all who rise against you!” 32 The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom all right?” The Cushite replied, “I wish that the enemies of my lord the king, along with all who rise up against you with evil intent, would become like that young man.” 33 The king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber above the city gate and wept. As he walked, he cried, “My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!”
David was waiting for news and he had a watchman with him - the watchman had a better view.
Being alone was a good sign because if the battle was lost a mass group would have been in fast retreat. One man = good news.
But wait, a little behind the first was another… David thought, “even better” two men are bringing the good news.
Ahimaaz hadn’t even reached the king when he shouts out peace or “all is well” - David had mixed emotions, on one hand he was relieved the battle was over and he was safe but he had one burning question - What about Absalom?
Whether he knew or not Ahimaaz could not confirm if Absalom was alive or not so the king told him to stand aside as the Cushite approached.
The Cushite reiterated the good news of the victory and when asked revealed the truth regarding Absalom.
He did not directly answer the question but his reply “I wish that the enemies of my lord the king… would become like that young man.” was enough to let the king know without any further details necessary.
David was deeply grieved because his son was dead - no matter what happens, we love our children - David’s grief caused him to wish it was him who died instead.
