Daily Bible Reading “Absalom Seeks Counsel” (2 Samuel 17:1-14)

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Absalom Seeks Counsel

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 17:1-14. In this Scripture Absalom seeks counsel about what he should do concerning his father, King David. Ahithophel told Absalom, he would choose twelve thousand men, and pursue David that night.

He said he would sneak up on David while he was weak and weary, and terrify him. Then all the people who were with him would flee and he could kill the king.

He said he would bring back all the people to Absalom. By only killing David he would still have all the people of Israel to back him. All the people would live in peace.

Absalom was well pleased with what Ahithophel suggested and so were all the elders of Israel. Then Absalom said, “Call Hushai the Archite as well, and let’s hear what he suggests.” Absalom wanted to get a second opinion.

When Hushai came to Absalom, Absalom told Hushai what Ahithophel suggested and asked if he agreed.

Hushai told Absalom, The advice that Ahithophel had given was not good at that time. Hushai told Absalom that he knew his father and his men were mighty men of war. They were bitter, like a bear who had been robbed of her cubs in the field. He reminded Absalom that his father was an experienced warrior, and would not spend the night with his troops.

He told Absalom that David was hid in a pit somewhere, or in some other place. If he should attack your troops first, and some of them are overthrown whoever hears about it would say, there has been a slaughter among Absalom’s troops.

The bravest of the soldiers, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, would melt. All of the people of Israel knew that David was a mighty man of war, and his soldiers were brave men.

Hushai advised that all the people of Israel gather together from Dan to Beersheba. There would be a multitude of them, like the sand by the sea; and that you lead them to battle.

We will come on him where ever he is found, and attack him as the dew falls on the ground. By the time we are done fighting, neither David nor any of his men, will be left alive.

If he goes into a city, then all the people of Israel could bring ropes to that city, and draw it into the river, until there was not as much as one small stone left.

Absalom and the men of Israel thought the advice of Hushai was better than that of Ahithophel.

The LORD had His own plan. He was determined to defeat the advice of Ahithophel, so that He might bring evil to Absalom. The LORD reminds us in Proverbs 8:14 “Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.”

Sometimes it is good to seek counsel from more than one person. Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 17:1-14

1 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
2 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:
3 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.
4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
6 And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.
7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.
8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
10 And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.
11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
12 So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.
13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.

Things to think about:

What was Ahithophel’s plan?
What did Absalom think about Ahithophel’s plan?
Of whom did Absalom ask for a second opinion?
Whose plan did Absalom prefer? Why?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that Absalom seeks counsel from Ahithophel and Hushai. We see that each one of them had their own advice to share. We also see that You had Your plan and one of these men was in tune with it. Help us to seek wise counsel, but help us to seek Your counsel first of all. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions is a Daily Bible Reading study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of Zechariah from the Old Testament of the Bible. Zechariah was a prophet during Old Testament times. He tells of eight dreams or visions he has where the LORD communicates with him.

In the beginning of the book the LORD is beckoning His people to return to Him and He will return to them. The dreams that Zechariah has are dreams that are pertinent to his day as well as dreams about the future.

The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and visions contains twenty-two Daily Bible Reading Lessons that take you through the entire book of Zechariah. Each lesson contains a commentary by the author, the Scriptures for Daily Bible Reading, a few questions for contemplation called “Things to think about,” and a Prayer for the Day. It is a great book for individual or group Bible studies.

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Daily Bible Reading “Ahithophel Advises Absalom” (2 Samuel 16:15-23)

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Ahithophel Advises Absalom

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 16:15-23. Absalom and all the men of Israel, went to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel went with him. When David’s friend, Hushai the Archite, saw Absalom, Hushai greeted Absalom saying, “God save the king, God save the king.”

Absalom asked Hushai, “Is this the way you show your love to your friend? Why didn’t you go with him?” Hushai answered Absalom saying, “No; but whoever the LORD, and the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.Who should I serve? Should I not serve his son? Like I have served your father, I will serve you.”

Absalom asked Ahithophel to give him advice about what he should do. Ahithophel told Absalom to go in to his father’s concubines, who he left to take care of the palace. All the people of Israel would hear that he stank to his father: then the hands of all who were with him would be strong.

They pitched a tent on the roof of the house of David for Absalom and he went in to his father’s concubines in front of all the people of Israel like Ahithophel advised him. This was the same place where David had first sinned by lusting for Bathsheba. Does this sound like good advice to you? Both David and Absalom regarded the advice of Ahithophel as a man who had inquired of God during those days.

Galatians 6:7 tells us, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

We have to be careful who we take advice from. Some people may have good intentions and some may not. We need to seek God’s face and ask Him to show us the way. We can’t always depend on other people’s advice to be what is best for us.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 16:15-23

15 And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.
16 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.
17 And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?
18 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.
19 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.
20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.
21 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.
22 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.
23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.

Things to think about:

Who went with Absalom to Jerusalem?
How did Hushai greet Absalom?
What was Absalom’s response?
Who did Absalom seek advice from in this Scripture?
What advice was given to Absalom?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that Absalom was pressing forward on taking over David’s kingdom. He was being deceived in some ways. He was seeking counsel from people he trusted, but were the decisions he was making wise. Help us to seek counsel from You first of all and ask wisdom in others that we may seek advice from. Help us to be wise concerning the attacks of the enemy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

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Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “Friends and Foes” (2 Samuel 16:1-14)

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Friends and Foes

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 16:1-14. When David was a little past the top of the hill, Ziba, who was the servant of Mephibosheth met him. He had brought a couple of saddled donkeys with him. On the donkeys were two hundred loaves of bread, an hundred bunches of raisins, an hundred summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

The king asked Ziba, “What do you mean by these?” Ziba replied, the asses are for the king’s household to ride on. The bread and summer fruit are for the young men to eat. The wine is for those who become faint in the wilderness to drink.

The king asked, “Where is your master’s son?” Ziba said to the king, he stayed at Jerusalem. He said, Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.

The king said to Ziba, yours are all that pertained to Mephibosheth. Ziba said, I humbly beg you that I may find grace in your sight, my lord, O king.

When king David came to Bahurim, there was a man who came out from the family of the house of Saul. His name was Shimei. He was the son of Gera. He came out cursing and casting stones at David, his servants and all the people and mighty men that were there on his right hand and on his left.

Shimei cursed David saying, “Come out, come out, you bloody man, and man of Belial: The LORD has returned to you all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom, your son: and, you are taken in your mischief, because you are a bloody man.”

Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over, I beg you, and take off his head. The king said, What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? Let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, Curse David. Who shall then say, why have you done so?

David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, my son, who came from my bowels, seeks my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? David’s own son had ran him out of town, David wasn’t too worried about this man who was causing them trouble along the way. David told them to leave him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me good for his cursing today. As David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill’s side beside them, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at them, and threw dirt. The king, and all the people who were with him, became weary, and refreshed themselves there.

Have you ever noticed in life how there will be some who are your friend, they will come along and bless you as Ziba did David. They will do whatever they can to help you. Then, there are those who are your foes, they may come along cursing you as Shimei did to David. They may talk bad about you and throw stones at you, if not literally, figuratively. They may not be brave enough to come out and talk bad about you to your face or in front of other, but they do everything they can to undermine you.

Thank God for the ones who are our friends, like Ziba, who only want the best for us. They are the ones who are blessings in our lives. Lord, help us to know how to deal with the foes, better yet, help us to learn to let you deal with them.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 16:1-14

1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
6 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.
7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
8 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.
9 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.
10 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?
11 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.
12 It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.
13 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.
14 And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.

Things to think about:

Who came along to bless David and his people?
Who came along cursing David and his people?
Why does there always seem to be both types of people in our lives?
How can we deal with those who don’t wish us well?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see that King David had both fans and foes. Thank you for those who are blessings in our lives. Help us to know how to deal with those who are foes. Protect us from anyone who would want evil for us. Help us to show our appreciation for those who bless us. Your Son, Jesus, is the best blessing of all in our lives. Thank You for Him. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

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Daily Bible Reading “David Flees from Absalom” (2 Samuel 15:19-37)

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

David Flees from Absalom

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 15:19-37. David and his men were fleeing from Absalom. He asked Ittai the Gittite, “Why are you going with us?” He told him to go back and stay with the king, speaking of Absalom. David told him that he was an exile and a stranger.

David reminded him that he only came the day before so why should he go with them when they didn’t even know where they were going. David told him to go back and take his people with him. David blessed him saying, “Mercy and truth be with thee.”

Ittai answered the king, saying, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king is, in death or life, also will your servant be.”

David told Ittai to go ahead and pass over. Ittai the Gittite did as David instructed and passed over, with his men, and all those with him.

The people cried with a loud voice as they and the king passed over and went by the brook Kidron toward the wilderness.

Zadok and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people were through passing out of the city.

The king told Zadok to carry the ark of God back to the city. He said, if he found favor in the eyes of the LORD, then the LORD would bring him back, and show it to him again and his habitation.

David said, If the LORD says, He has no delight in me; here I am, let him do to me whatever he pleases.”\

The king asked Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer?” He told him to return to the city in peace, and take his two sons with him, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.

David told him that he would stay in the plain of the wilderness, until he heard word from him.

Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there.

David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet. He cried as he went up. He covered his head, and was barefoot. All the people who were with David covered their heads as well, as they went up, weeping.

Someone told David that Ahithophel was one of the conspirators with Absalom. David cried out to God, “O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.”

When David got to the top of the mount, he worshiped God. Hushai the Archite came to meet him. His coat was torn, and he had dirt on his head.

David said to Hushai, If you go on with me, then you will be a burden to me. If you return to the city and tell Absalom that you will be his servant, like you have been his father’s servant then you will be able to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel for me.

You will have Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you. Whatever you hear from the king’s house, you can tell Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

They also have their two sons there with them, Ahimaaz, who is Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, who is Abiathar’s son. You can send messages to me about everything you hear by them.

Hushai. David’s friend, went to the city. Absalom came to Jerusalem.

David and his people didn’t want to leave Jerusalem. Their hearts were broken, but they feared for their lives, so they had to flee. Absalom was gathering his army together and they didn’t know what was going to happen next.

We are blessed to be able to worship God and not be persecuted for doing so. There are those around the world even today who are persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ. We need to pray and seek God’s face for the future of the world we live in today.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 15:19-37

19 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.
20 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.
21 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.
22 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.
23 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.
24 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.
25 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:
26 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.
27 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.
28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.
29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
30 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.
31 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.
32 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:
33 Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:
34 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.
35 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.
36 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.
37 So Hushai David’s friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

Things to think about:

Why was David leaving Jerusalem?
What was the people’s reaction to him leaving?
Who went with David?
Who did David send back to Jerusalem? Why?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel w see that David and his people were saddened to be leaving Jerusalem, but they feared for their lives. Help us not to take for granted the freedoms we have to serve and worship You. Help those who are persecuted because of their faith in You. Protect them and watch over them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00N1ZAOAM
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Daily Bible Reading “Absalom’s Conspiracy” (2 Samuel 15:1-18)

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Absalom’s Conspiracy

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 15:1-18. Soon after Absalom was pardoned by David, Absalom prepared chariots with horses and got fifty men to run with him.Absalom was about to make his moves.

Absalom got up early every day and stood outside the gates at the king’s palace. When someone came with a problem, he would greet them and tell them that the king didn’t have anyone to hear their problems. Then he told them if he was appointed judge then they would have someone to go to that would hear their problems and make judgment on them.

When the men tried to bow to Absalom, he’d take them by the hand and kiss them instead of allowing them to bow to him. By doing this Absalom stole the hearts of all the men of Israel. He was a great politician.

After forty years Absalom asked for the king’s permission to go to Hebron to pay his vows to the LORD. Absalom told the king that he had made a vow to the LORD while he was in Geshur that if the LORD let him return to Jerusalem he would serve Him. The king told Absalom to go in peace.

Absalom went to Hebron. He sent spies throughout Israel and told them as soon as they heard the trumpet sound they would know that he reigned in Hebron.

Absalom took two hundred men with him from Jerusalem, but they didn’t have any clue what he was up to.

Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city of Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. The conspiracy grew stronger and Abasalom’s following increased as well.

A messenger came to David and told him what was going on. So David told all his servants to get ready to go. They needed to leave before Absalom and his followers attacked them.

King David, his family and his servants left and went far away. The only ones who stayed behind were ten concubines who were left to take care of the house.

All of David’s servants and the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and the Gittites, passed on before the king. There was a total of six hundred men which went with from Gath.

Have you ever had anybody in your life that you couldn’t trust? How did it make you feel to know that someone you cared about turned their back on you? How would you feel if you were David and your son had become your enemy? Do you find it hard sometimes to know who you can trust?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 15:1-18

1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
2 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!
5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.
6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
7 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.
8 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.
9 And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.
10 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.
11 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.
12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.
13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
14 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.
15 And the king’s servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
18 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.

Things to think about:

How did Absalom win the trust of the people?
Why didn’t David have any clue what Absalom was up to?
What happened when David found out what Absalom was doing?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that Absalom conspired against David to try to win over the people of Israel. Help us to be alert and have discernment concerning those who are close to us. Help us to know when something isn’t going right. Help us to know who we can trust. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “Trust in Jesus” – Third Day

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