Lesson 16: David's Latter Kingdom - Part 3

2 Samuel 15-16

David’s Rebellious Sons:

What is your reaction of extreme pressure? For most people – it quickly reveals what their character is all about. We all can act pretty well when all conditions are positive and convenient – but you bring on some negative circumstances that put us up against the wall and we will see what we are made of.

In this passage we see some sad things happening, but push comes to shove – David reveals who he is in the midst of the pressure. Things have been going down hill in personal life for some time, but things are about to get worse, as we look at:

VII. Absalom’s rebellion

We have already seen David’s rebellious son’s in action, we have seen how Amnon rapers, Absalom’s revenge, and Absalom’s return, but now we are looking at his rebellion.

A. The Manipulation – 15:1-6

We have already seen how that one of David’s pitfalls early on was that rather than trusting God, when he was frustrated, he took matters into his own hands and manipulated things around him for his own promotion. Christian, that is not our business, you are far better to leave these types of things to God rather than trying to work ever minute detail out to your own benefit.

Like father like son, Absalom was one of the oldest sons of David, likely he saw or at least knew of how for a while, David worked things for his own promotion for awhile, and now he would do the same, notice what he does:

1. He wanted all the attention v.1

He had chariots, horses and 50 men to run and prepare the way before him.

He wanted other people to think he was important – the funny thing is, these were all things that were given to him, he got them because he was the son of a king not because they were loyal to him.

Chariot reminds me of people today and there cars. They want to make a statement. I always wonder why preachers need 4x4 king cab trucks, or Harley Davidsons with a leather jacket – they are trying to project an image.

Nothing wrong with having nice things, but, or to drive a nice car, but quit trying to project some image of importance of yourself by your car, your clothes, or how you throw your money around.

2. His attentiveness at the gate vv.2-6

a. He showed great interest in those that came to seek help v.2

This is not wrong to do; for people who I like to emulate are people who are able to give people their undivided attention.

But if you do it just to manipulate people into liking you, that is wrong, it should be out of genuine interest and care.

That wasn’t what Absalom was doing.

b. He told them that they were right v.3

Didn’t matter if they were right, he just wanted the people to like him.

He wanted to give the people what they wanted to hear, thus manipulating them.

c. He told them he knew he could give them justice if he was in charge v.4

They naysayers, critical, bitter people always say they can do it better.

d. He did all of this as people were coming to seek the kings counsel vv.5-6

Why avid did not stop Absalom in all of this I don’t know, but he was having his way with manipulating the people.

B. The Conspiracy

– vv.7-12

A conspiracy is an evil, unlawful, treacherous, or underhanded plan formulated in secret by two or more persons; plot

1. He lied v.7

We do know that the Bible says that lying is a sin.

Exodus 20:16 AV

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Unless you are fighting a war and deception is critical, I cannot ever see an excuse for lying.

There is no record of him making a vow to God in Hebron, he is simply deceiving his own father.

2. He spoke words his father would be pleased to hear vv.8-9

“Tell them what they want to hear.” It doesn’t matter if you can do it or not; doesn’t matter if it is good or not – just tell the people what they want to hear and you will get elected in the United States. We have had two recent presidents elected like that:

Bill Clinton, and Barak Obama

How’s that hope and change working for you. Hope we don’t fall into financial collapse; the change in our national deficit and debt is far beyond what anyone would have imagined.

Absalom said to his father, I have vow to pay to God, because he brought me back to Jerusalem, and now I am giving my life to serve the Lord.

Go, perform your vow, because that would be wonderful my wayward son.

You ever had someone tell you what you wanted to hear, yet they were being dishonest and had no plans of keeping their world? Those people lose my respect quickly, they have no character.

3. He sent spies to manipulate the people v.10

He sent the spies to make announcements that were untrue to manipulate the situation to the bitter end.

I just got a call from some former members living in Hawaii who heard things were falling apart at our church; I have had former members from San Diego call asking the same thing; yet we are all, at least I am, happier than we have ever been in 5 years.

Lies and spies go well together.

Praise the Lord that time and the truth always win over spies and lies.

4. He used David’s soldiers as if David had sent them v.11

These were likely respected soldiers

They did not know why they were going, likely to accompany the kings sons on official business and were to do his bidding as they traveled, not knowing what Absalom had devised.

Even when the spies would cry out that David reigns from Hebron, it would not be a far stretch for the kings beloved son to reign near the end of David’s life.

5. He calls the kings counselor to be his own counselor v.12

Thus giving more credence to his reign.

Now the question might come up to you: “Why would Ahithophel betray the king?” There is a very interesting answer to that which we will cover a week from Sunday night.

C. The Retreat of David

15:13-16:14

Now David has had to, at least briefly, give up his kingdom. He is forced to withdraw. He has now has made his fourth installment on his own proclamation of a fourfold judgment on his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah.

1. The entire royal family, cabinet, and loyal subjects depart

save ten concubines vv.13-23

2. The faith of David v.24-29

3. The humility of David v.30

On a side note, but an important one, this is the same Mount of Olives that Jesus ascended many times in his ministry. It is where Jesus Christ shed many a tear as well.

What a wonderful foreshadow of our Saviour who would also walk this same road.

Luke 22:39-46

4. The worship of David vv.31-32

5. The dispatch of Hushai vv.32-37

6. The self-promotion of Ziba 16:1-4

7. The cursing of Shimei vv.5-14

David depends on God to return him good for Shimei’s cursing because he took it patiently.

2 Samuel 16:12 AV

It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

God tells us that in New Testament as well. Let’s look at:

1 Peter 2:18-21

D. The Wickedness of Absalom

– 16:15-23

1. He steps into his father’s throne v.15

The Bible teaches us that we should not promote ourselves or to seek our own glory; let alone pulling someone else down and stealing their position by deception and force.

2. Hushai’s successful infiltration vv.16-19

3. He takes his father’s concubines vv.20-23

Leviticus 20:10 AV

And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.