Leading on the Run
Notes
Transcript
I. A Question of Opportunism
I. A Question of Opportunism
Ziba is being manipulative. He knows David is tired and upset, and is in no mood to deal with one person’s problems.
Evidence that he is lying is what happens when Mephibosheth meets David 2 Samuel 19:24-30
He provides food, softening David’s resolve.
David is suspicious, but Ziba has a ready answer
The king believes him.
If you wish to help those in authority to make just decisions, make sure to leave them room to think.
II. A Question of Vengeance
II. A Question of Vengeance
The charge - David has violently seized the throne from the house of Saul.
Interpretation of current events - Absalom’s coup is judgment for seizing the throne from Saul
The charge is the loony emotional speculation of a crazy political activist. No basis whatsoever in fact. The present event is not judgment for seizing the throne, due to the fact that David did not do that; it’s judgment for the Bathsheba incident.
The slander of charging a political figure with a spurious charge even if he actually has plenty of blame to pass around will be noticed by God and responded to.
David’s clear sense of divine justice was rewarded.
Because he doesn’t punish Shimei himself, Solomon is forced to do it later.
But because Solomon must do it, Solomon ends up executing Shimei, and thereby sends a signal that he is in charge and funny business will not be tolerated. 1 Kings 2:36-46
Therefore God actually reverses the curse of Shimei, and does for David the exact opposite.
III. A Question of Deceit
III. A Question of Deceit
The danger
Ahithophel’s council to sleep with the concubines.
This is also God’s chastening of David 2 Sam 12:11-12
Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.
For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.’ ”
It is also contrary to the Law Lev 20:11
The man who lies with his father’s wife has uncovered his father’s nakedness; both of them shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.
No positive effects from this advice are noted.
Thus it is crafty, but immoral advice - Foolishness.
Absalom later dies - Death penalty carried out.
Ahithophel’s council to attack David directly
Simple, straightforward language
quick, direct attack that kills only David
Leads the charge himself
Would absolutely have worked (v.14)
Husai lies.
“Long live the King”
Lord, people, men of Israel has chosen
I will serve you as I served your father
His advice
His lies were the entire point of his mission 2 Sam 15:34; David invoked God’s name to support them 2 Sam 15:31; God did in fact do just that 2 Sam 16:14. Finally Husai is pretty much the hero of this entire section, and his lies were not incidental to his heroism. They were the center of it.
Truthfulness is obligatory for the Christian; God hates deceit. Psalm 34:12-13; Prov 12:5; Eph 4:25
Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
The thoughts of the righteous are right, But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
His advice
He uses picturesque, vivid language
He plays on Absalom’s fears (17:7-10)
He plays on Absalom’s ego (17:11-13)
His undercover activity
Advises David to go over the Jordan, lest Absalom change his mind.
Has a female servant relay the info to Jonathan/Ahimaaz; who hide in well until it is clear.