2 Samuel 17:1

2 Samuel 17:1 says, Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:  Ahithophel asked Absalom for twelve thousand men to pursue David starting that night.  I am not sure what led to Ahithophel turning against David, but he was evidently very anxious to destroy him.  David only had a small force with him and Ahithophel wanted twelve thousand men to pursue him.  It may be that he was yet afraid of the power that David had always had, bu if he was afraid of the God, the source of God's power, he would have known that no number of men would have been enough to destroy him.  We cannot expect the world to attempt to fight fairly with us today, and the more that we are representing God, the more they will want to destroy us.  Verse two adds, And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:   Ahithophel said he would catch David when he was weary and weak handed and make him afraid.  He underestimated David’s strength, or more importantly the strength of David's God, and since God had anointed David and not Absalom king, Ahithophel was fighting against God as well.  If we as followers of Christ are seen as weak and nearly defeated by people of the world today, they need to remember Who our source of power is, and so do we.  As long as God is with us and we are obedient to Him, we will never be destroyed spiritually.  Verse three continues, And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.  Ahithophel had said that he would kill only David and that then he would bring back all the rest of his troops to serve Absalom.  Again, he was putting his faith in the number of troops he had versus the number that David had and was totally forgetting about God.   People today still believe that with large enough numbers aligned against God's people that they can defeat them, but they forget about God.  We as Christians must never forget the power of God as we fight against evil in the world today.   Ahithophel said that once he did this that Absalom would rule over all the people in peace, but true peace comes only from God and can never be gained by going against God's will.  Verse four concludes,  And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.  This pleased not only Absalom, but all the elders of Israel as well.  These were the leaders of God's chosen people going against God's will and being pleased to do so.  We need to pray that as Christians we never do the same thing today.

2 Samuel 16:15

2 Samuel 16:15 says, And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. When  Absalom came to Jerusalem, Ahithophel, one of David's advisors came along with him.  Verse sixteen adds, And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.  After Absalom got to Jerusalem, Hushai another noted figure in the kingdom and a friend of David's, came to Absalom and acknowledged him as king.  It seemed that all of David's advisors were abandoning him for Absalom, and at times it may seem that all our friends are abandoning us if someone more powerful comes along.  Verse seventeen continues, And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?  Absalom questioned why Hushai had not gone with David, who was his friend.  He had not asked the same of Ahithophel, so he must not have been as close to David.  Absalom asked Hushai if this was the way he repaid a friend, and if we seem to abandon those who have been closest to us, those we abandon them for might ask us why.  I believe that if we abandon following God's guidance as Christians, He will certainly ask us why.  Verse eighteen states, And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.  Hushai answered that the one God and the people chose, he would follow.  Of course, God had not chosen Absalom, so though Hushai's statement was true, it did not mean that he was going to follow Absalom.  We as followers of Christ must always support those that God puts in place and not just those who claim that He has done so.  Verse nineteen adds, And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father’s presence, so will I be in thy presence.  Hushai did then ask Absalom whom he should serve,and said as he had served David, Absalom's father, he would serve Absalom.  Of course, since David was still alive and had not relinquished the throne, Hushai's allegiance should have still been to David.  Our allegiance as Christians should always be to God above all else.  Verse twenty continues, Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.  Absalom then asked Ahithophel for advice as to what he should do.  Absalom was willing to look to others for advice, possibly because he certainly couldn't look to God for advice.  If we are acting outside of God's will, then we can only go to people of the world for advice, and it will likely always be wrong.  The only advice God would give us in a situation like this would be to repent and look to Him for guidance again.  Verse twenty-one says, And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong. Ahithophel advised Absalom to go and have a sexual relationship with David's concubines who had been left behind.  Ahithophel said this would make Absalom look strong to all the people.  We can be certain that this advice didn't come from God, and anytime we given advice that is contrary to God's word, we can be certain that God is not behind it.  There is also the fact that this would involve women who did not want this to happen, and if we are going to act against what God teaches, we certainly shouldn't involve people who are powerless to stop us.  Verse twenty-two adds, So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel.  Absalom not only did as Ahithophel had said, but he did so in a way that all of Isreal knew what he was doing.  Some people today still flaunt their sinful actions before the world and God.   Verse twenty-three continues,  And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.  Ahithophel appeared to be looking to God for his advice both when he had served David and now as he was serving Absalom.  Today, people still too often claim to be giving Godly advice, even when it goes against God's will and word.  We need to be careful that we aren't led astray by such advice or teachings. 

2 Samuel 16:5

2 Samuel 16:5 says, And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.  When David got to Bahurim, he encountered a relative of Saul who came toward him cursing as he came.  David had done nothing to Saul and was anointed king by God, but the man still didn't honor nor accept Him.  People today treat God the same way, blaming Him for all that is wrong in their life, even though He has done nothing but good by providing a way of salvation.  Veres six adds, And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. Not only did this man come cursing David, he also was throwing rocks at David and all his men.  Matthew Henry says that Shimei had likely always had hatred for David since Saul’s death, but in David’s current situation he felt empowered to take action, but he he was still only throwing rocks.  Sometimes, we may be guilty of figuratively throwing rocks at God as though we think He is incapable of doing anything to us.  Verse seven continues, And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:  Shimei challenged David to come out and accused him of being a follower of Belial, or the devil.  If Shimei were correct in his assumption that David had usurped the throne that he thought God had placed Saul on, then David would have had to seize the throne by the power of the devil.  We can have people make assumptions about us if they believe that they know more about God's will than we do.  Verse eight concludes, The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.  Shimei then attributed David’s current situation with Absalom assuming the throne, to God's punishment of David for how Shimei perceived David to have treated Saul.  We as followers of Christ cannot afford to make faulty assumptions about other people when they are suffering in life.  David was still loyal to God, but he as suffering in life, and this may be the situation with our fellow Christians today.  Verse nine states, Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.  Abishai asked David why he should allow Shimei to continue to curse him like a dog, when he was still the king, and offered to go and behead Shimei.  At times, we may ask the same thing of God today.  We may wonder why He allows the people of the world to curse and dishonor Him, since He is still the Ruler of the universe.  Verse ten adds, And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?  David basically said to leave Shimei alone and that if he believed that God had told him to curse David, who was David to stop him.  David wasn't really concerned with Shimei and punishing him, and we often need to just let people do what they are going to do, especially if it really doesn't hurt us.  Verse eleven declares, And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.  David said that since Absalom, his own son, sought to kill him, what more could Shimei do, and told all his men to leave Shimei alone.  We as Christians need to know where our ral enemies are and not get distracted by those who are only a pest.  Shimei really didn't have it in his power to do much harm to David and his men, but Absalom did.  Verse twelve adds, It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.  Basically, David said he would leave the situation with Shimei up to God and that maybe God would bring some good out of Shimei's cursing.  We often need to just leave it up to God to deal with those who might curse us and pray that He will bring good from the situation.  Verse thirteen continues, And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill’s side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust. As David as his men went on, Shimei continued to follow them and throw stones at them. Still, he was no real threat to David, and since David had left it up to God to deal with the situation, he didn't worry about it.  Anytime we leave the outcome of a situation up to God, we no longer need to be concerned about it.  Verse fourteen concludes, And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.  David and his men became weary and refreshed themselves there, still ignoring Shimei and his threats.  Even if the people of the world are threatening us today, sometimes we just need to stop and be refreshed by God, even if the threat remains. 

2 Samuel 16:1

2 Samuel 16:1 says, And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.  After David was a little past the top of the hill, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him with a supply of food.  David had left in a hurry with few provisions it would seem, but God was at work providing for him, even though Ziba was there for his own purpose of replacing his master Mephibosheth.  God can even bring good from those who are up to no good.  Verse two adds, And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king’s household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.  David asked Ziba what the meaning of his gift was.  Ziba explained it was to help David’s young men.  If someone unexpectedly comes to uswith needed gifts today, we should at least question why they are doing so.  Is it really out of generosity and compassion, or do they want something from us that might not be good in God's view.  Verse three continues, And the king said, And where is thy master’s son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.  David asked Ziba where his master’s son was, and he said he remained in Jerusalem because he said that today the kingdom of his father Saul would be restored to him.  Of course, this was all a lie.  Verse four states, Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.  Again, without checking out the facts, David took zction.  He said that all that belonged to Mephibosheth would now be Ziba's, even though David had given it to Mephibosheth out of respect for Jonathan.  Rash decisions often lead to wrong decisions.  Too often it seems that David did not pray for guidance from God in situations that he was in, but we never should do that.  

2 Samuel 15:24

2 Samuel 15:24 says, And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.  When David fled from Absalom, Zadok and the Levites brought the Ark of the Covenant with them.  This had represented God's presence with them, and they wanted it on their side.  As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit with us at all times and don't need a material reminder that He is with us.  Verse twenty-five adds, And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:  David told Zadok to return the Ark of God to the city, and if God showed him favor, he would return to see it there.  As followers of Christ, God has already shown us favor by granting us salvation, and even if the world destroys us, we will one day be called home to be with Him forever.  Verse twenty-six continues, But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.  David then said that if God had no delight in him, then let God do unto him as He saw fit.  As Christians, in any situation that we find ourselves in, we should simply turn the outcome over to God.  Verse twenty-seven states, The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.  David then asked Zadok if he were not a seer, or wiseman Matthew Henry says, and told him to return to the city with his two sons.  We as followers of Christ should have the wisdom of God to guide us.  Verse twenty-eight adds, See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.  David said that he would remain in the plain of the wilderness until he received word from Zadok that it was time to return.  We as followers of Christ should remain where God leads us in times of danger until He tells us it is safe to return to where we were.  If that never happens, we should just remain faithful to Him wherever He has led us until He calls us home to heaven.  Verse twenty-nine continues, Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.  Zadok and Abiathar carried the Ark back to Jerusalem and stayed there.  We as Christians on the other hand have the Holy Spirit with us to empower us wherever we go and we  should share the gospel everywhere we are led.  Verse thirty says, And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.  David went up on the Mount of Olivet in humility and weeping and the people with him went up also.  If we find ourselves in a bad situation today, we should humbly turn to God and seek His direction.  Verse thirty-one adds, And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.  Someone told David that Ahithophel was aligned with Absalom and he prayed that Ahithophel's plans would be turned to foolishness.  We can be sure that no matter how brilliant we may be that our plans if they are not in accordance with God's will are always going to amount to foolishness.   Verse thirty-two continues, And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:  While David was on the top of the mountain, Hushai came to him in an attitude of mourning.  Matthew Henry says that while David was humbly worshipping that God sent to him the person that would be able to help him.  God will often send just the right person to us to help us in our time of trouble, but even if He doesn't, we still have the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us if we will only turn to Him.  Verse thirty-three states, Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:   David told Hushai that if he continued to follow after David that he would be a burden to him.  Though we should support our fellow believers in times of trouble, we should never become a burden to them.  Verse thirty-four adds, But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father’s servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.  David told Hushai that if he returned to Jerusalem and claimed to be loyal to Absalom that he could work against the council of Ahithophel.  Sometimes we may be better able to serve God from in the midst of our enemies.  Verse thirty-five continues, And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king’s house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.  David told Hushai that he could gather intelligence about Absalom and send word to him by Zadok and Abiathar.  We as Christians should always work together to bring about God's will.  Verse thirty-six states, Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok’s son, and Jonathan Abiathar’s son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.  David told Hushai that Zadok and Abiathar had their two sons with them who could bring David word of what Absalom was doing.  Verse thirty-seven adds, So Hushai David’s friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.  Hushai returned to Jerusalem and Absalom got there also.  Hushai could have been putting himself in danger, but as a friend of David's he was willing to do what David asked him to do.  We as Christians should be willing to stand by our friends in times of trouble and help them if possible, even if this puts us in a dangerous situation.   

2 Samuel 15:13

2 Samuel 15:13 says, And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. David received word that the people of Isreal were beginning to devotedly follow Absalom instead of David.  As Christians, we can never begin to follow anyone but Jesus Christ if we are to be spiritually successful today.  Verse fourteen adds, And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.  David told all his servants that they and he himself must quickly flee the city of Jerusalem so that Absalom would not kill them and destroy the city if necessary in order to do so.  David had allowed Absalom to make himself more powerful and popular and now he was paying the price.  If we allow sinful situations to go unchecked, we may one day pay the price.  Verse fifteen continues, And the king’s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.  At least David’s closest servants remained loyal to him.  This would put them in danger.  Our true fellow believers should remain faithful to us if we are following God, even if that puts them in a bad situation and we should do the same with them.  Verse sixteen states, And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.  David left with everyone except ten concubines who were left to take care of the house.  David evidently had more concern about his house than he did about these ten.  Having several wives and concubines was never God's plan, and I believe that it led David to being indifferent about many of them.  They simply became like another possession, and if we begin to do things that go against God's will, other people can become of little concern to us.  Verse seventeen adds, And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off. David and those with him went to a place far off and remained there.  David had faced the giant Goliath and defeated him and had been successful in all his wars when he was following God's guidance, but I believe that he had allowed his relationship with God to stagnate.   By faith, we may have been successful in the past, but if we allow our faith to become stagnant, we may find ourselves in danger spiritually and maybe physically as well.  Verse eighteen continues, And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.  David had six-hundred men with him, so he wasn't totally alone.  We may not know them, but we can be certain that God has other believers doing His work today, so we should never feel like we alone are following Him.  Verse nineteen says, Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.  Ittai, a Gittite was with David and his group, and David asked him why he was there, since he was a stranger and an exile.  David then told him to return home.  Matthew Henry says the six-hundred men were with Ittai, and they were likely Philistines who had become loyal to David.  We should never reject the help of others simply because of who they are by nationality or race.  We once were all strangers to God's kingdom.  Verse twenty adds, Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.  David basically said that he didn't want to put Ittai and his followers in danger, especially since he didn't know what was going to happen to him.  David told Ittai to go in the mercy and truth of God.  We as followers of Christ need to help new Christians and do our best to not put them in harm's way, but we also need to acknowledge that they should stand with us in fighting evil in the world.  Verse twenty-one states, And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.  Ittai acknowledged his faith in God and David as his king and said that he would stay with him in life or death.  Once we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we should be ready to stand with Him in the battle against evil in the world today, even if it costs us our life.  Verse twenty-two adds, And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.  David then told Ittai to come with them.  We need all the help from our spiritual brothers and sisters that we can get.  Of course, whatever we are facing, we should look to God for direction and strength first.  Verse twenty-three continues, And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness. David and all those with him wept for the country as they passed over the brook of Kidron into the wilderness.  If we do not continually look to God for guidance, which I don't believe that David had been doing leading up to this situation, we may find ourselves wandering in the wilderness again.  This does not mean that we lose our salvation, but we may lose our purpose and direction as Christians.  David had been content, allowing Absalom to do whatever he chose to do, and now he was suffering the consequences.  If we lose sight of God's direction today, we may end up suffering spiritual and even physical consequences. 

2 Samuel 15:7

 2 Samuel 15:7 says, And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.  Matthew Henry says the forty years does not give a reference date as to when this began, but he believed it was forty years after the people of Israel demanded a king.  We do know that Absalom had been plotting his rebellion for some time.  Sometimes, those who would destroy God's people may have been plotting to do so for years, and we may never know when they began to do so.  Absalom was now ready to put his plan in action, so he asked David for permission to go to Hebron.  This was where he was born and where David began his rule.  Verse eight adds, For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.  Absalom then made it sound like he wanted to do this because of a vow that he made to God when he was in exile.  David would be less likely to refuse to allow Absalom to go if he was doing it because of a vow to God.  People today still attempt to use God's word and their obedience to it, even when it goes against what His word really says, to attempt to justify their actions.  Verse nine continues, And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.  David told Absalom to go in peace, or with his blessing.  Many times, David did not seem to be too attuned to what was going on in his family, and we as Christians can become the same way.  We can listen more to what our children are telling us instead of watching their actions.  Verse ten states, But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.  Absalom sent spies throughout Israel to tell the people that as soon as they heard the trumpet, they were to declare him as ruler in Hebron.  We cannot declare those who are plotting against the government or God to be rulers today.  Even if those in power are going against God's commandments, I believe our responsibility is to refuse to obey what they say more than it is to attempt to overthrow the government.  Verse eleven adds, And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.  Absalom had two hundred men who went with him, but they didn't know anything about his plan.  Hopefully, we will never get caught up in some sinful plot today without realizing what is happening.  Verse twelve continues, And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counseller, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.  Absalom then sent for David’s counseller who was in Giloh.  Matthew Henry says that evidently Ahithophel and David had a falling out, so he would have been an ideal candidate to help Absalom.  Even if we do have a disagreement with our fellow Christians, we should never join forces with people of the world who are out to destroy God's rule.