Absalom Meets His Demise

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 18:1-15. David counted the men who were with him and divided them into groups of hundreds and thousands. He appointed commanders over each of the groups. In this Scripture we learn what happened to Absalom during this battle.

A third of David’s troops were under the command of Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai, son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai, the Gittite. The king told the troops that he would march with them.

The men didn’t want King David to go with them. They said, “If we flee, they won’t care about us. If half of us die, they won’t care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better for you to give us your support from the city.”

The king told them that he would do whatever they thought was best. So he stood beside the gate and watched while all of his men marched out to battle.

The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai to be gentle with his son Absalom for his sake. All the troops heard as the king gave orders to each of the commanders concerning Absalom.

David’s army marched out of the city to fight Israel. The battle took place in the forest of Ephraim.

David’s men were victorious over Israel’s troops. There were twenty thousand men killed that day on the battle field.

The battle spread over the countryside.The forest swallowed up more men that day than the sword.

Absalom met up with David’s men. He was riding on his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak tree, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging there, but the mule he was riding kept going.

One of the men who saw what happened told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree.”

Joab asked the man who saw Absalom hanging, “What! You saw him? Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt.”

The man told him even if a thousand shekels were put in his hands, he would not have laid a hand on the king’s son. We all heard what the king said when he commanded you, Abishai and Ittai, to protect Absalom for his sake.

If I had put my life in jeopardy–and nothing is hidden from the king–you would have kept your distance from me.”

Joab said, “I’m not going to wait like this for you.” He took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive and hanging in the oak tree.

Joab took advantage of Absalom’s mishap. He completely defied the order that King David gave to him and the other leaders of his army.

If that wasn’t enough, then, ten of Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, smote him and killed him.

I’m always looking to see what we can learn from our daily lessons. I was telling my granddaughter about this lesson and asked her what we could learn from it. She said, “Keep your hair wrapped up tight.” I had to laugh. I don’t think that’s exactly our best lesson from this Scripture, but I thought it was cute.

David trusted the leaders of his army to protect Absalom. The only command he gave them before leaving for battle was that they be gentle with his son. Even though his son was seeking to overtake his kingdom, David still didn’t want anything bad to happen to him. David loved his son, Absalom.

David must have felt like there was nobody he could trust. Have you ever felt that way?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 18:1-15

1 And David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
2 And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.
4 And the king said unto them, What seemeth you best I will do. And the king stood by the gate side, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands.
5 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim;
7 Where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was there a great slaughter that day of twenty thousand men.
8 For the battle was there scattered over the face of all the country: and the wood devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.
9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.
10 And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an oak.
11 And Joab said unto the man that told him, And, behold, thou sawest him, and why didst thou not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
12 And the man said unto Joab, Though I should receive a thousand shekels of silver in mine hand, yet would I not put forth mine hand against the king’s son: for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
13 Otherwise I should have wrought falsehood against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set thyself against me.
14 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak.
15 And ten young men that bare Joab’s armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.

Things to think about:

Who were the leaders of David’s army?
What was the one command David gave them?
What happened to Absalom?
Who disobeyed the king’s command?
What can we learn from this lesson?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that David had a mighty army. He had leaders in his army that he trusted with his son’s life. Help us to be able to discern who we can trust. Lead, guide and direct in our lives. 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 “God Provides” (2 Samuel 17:15-29)

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

God Provides

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 17:15-29. In this Scripture we see how God provides for David and his men. Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests that Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do one thing, but he had advised them to do something else.

He asked them to send a message at once and tell David not to spend the night in the plains of the wilderness. Instead they were to tell him to cross over the Jordan, or he and all the people with him would be killed.

Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En Rogel. A female servant went to inform them, and they were to go tell King David, because they could not risk being seen in the city.

A young man saw them and told Absalom. So the two men left immediately and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into the well.

His wife took a covering and spread it out over the opening of the well and put grain on top of it. No one knew anything about it.

When Absalom’s men came to the woman;s house, they asked her where Ahimaaz and Jonathan were. The woman told them that they crossed over the brook. The men searched, but they didn’t find anyone, so they went back to Jerusalem.

When they left, the two men climbed out of the well and went to tell King David. They told him to set out and cross the river at once because Ahithophel had given them advise against you.

So David and all the people with him crossed the Jordan. By morning, no one was left in their camp. Thy had all crossed the Jordan.

When Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled his donkey and went back to his house. He put his house in order and hanged himself. He died and was buried in his father’s tomb.

David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. Absalom appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of Jether, an Ishmaelite, who married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah, the mother of Joab. Absalom and his men camped in Gilead.

When David arrived at Mahanaim, Shobi, the son of Nahash, from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir, the son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai, the Gileadite from Rogelim, brought bedding and bowls and pottery.

They also brought food for David and his men to eat including, wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from cows’ milk. They knew the people were exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.

I love the way that God provided for David and his men even in the wilderness. They were on the run, but God still provided plenty of food for them to refresh and strengthen their bodies for the battle.

Have you ever been in situations where you wondered if God was going to provide and He came through for you? I sure have.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 17:15-29

15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.
16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.
17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.
18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.
20 And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
21 And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.
22 Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.
23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man’s son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab’s mother.
26 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.
27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
28 Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,
29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

Things to think about:

Who was to let David know what was happening?
What happened to them along the way?
Where did David and his men go?
How did God provide for David and his men?

Prayer of the Day:

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that You provided for David and his men. It encourages us to see that You are able to provide even in the wilderness. Help us to have the faith to believe that You will always provide our needs. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

by Deborah H. Bateman

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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

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Daily Bible Reading “Saul Inquires of the Witch of Endor” (1 Samuel 28:1-14)

Posted on July 22, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Saul Inquires of the Witch of Endor

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 1 Samuel 28:1-14. The Philistines gathered their armies together to fight against Israel. Saul freaked out when he saw the size of the Philistine army.

Achish, the Philistine’s king, let David know that he was expecting him and his men to support them in the battle. David asssured Achish of his abilities. Achish showed his trust in David by telling David that he was the keeper of his head forever.

We learned several lessons back that Samuel passed away and the people mourned over him and buried him in Ramah. This Scripture reminds us of Samuel’s passing.

We are also told that Saul had done away with those who had familiar spirits and the wizards from the land.

The Philistines gathered their troops at Shunem and Saul’s army gathered at Gilboa. When Saul saw how many Philistines there were, he was filled with fear.

Saul prayed to God, but God didn’t answer him. The LORD didn’t reveal anything to Saul by dreams, prophets, or by Urim. Urim were the stones that were kept in a pouch on the high-priest’s breastplate, which were used in determining God’s decision in certain questions and issues.

So Saul asked his servants to find him a woman with a familiar spirit, one who evokes the dead, that he could go and inquire of her. Saul’s servants told him there was a woman at Endor who had these capabilities.

Saul disguised himself by dressing in other garments. He took two of his men with him and went to visit the woman of Endor at night. The woman asked Saul if he was trying to get her killed. She reminded him that Saul had done away with all those who had a familiar spirit and the wizards. Saul swore to her before the LORD that she wouldn’t be punished for her work.

The woman agreed to perform the task and asked Saul who he wanted her to bring up. Saul asked her to bring up Samuel. When the woman saw Samuel she cried out asking Saul why he had deceived her.

Saul told her not to be afraid and asked her what she saw. She told Saul that she saw gods ascending from the earth. Saul asked her what the man looked like. She told Saul that it was an older man with a mantle covering him. Saul thought it was Samuel and he bowed down to him.

Why would a king, a man appointed by God, go to see a sorcerer? What was God going to think about Saul’s actions? There are many Scriptures that tell us that sorcery, witchcraft, and such are evil and we shouldn’t fool around with evil spirits.

Daily Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 28:1-14

1 And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, that thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and thy men.
2 And David said to Achish, Surely thou shalt know what thy servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of mine head for ever.
3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.
4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.
5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.
6 And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.
7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee.
9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die?
10 And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen to thee for this thing.
11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.
12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

Things to think about:

What armies were about to go to war?

What happened when Saul saw how many Philistines there were?

When God didn’t answer Saul’s cries for help, what did Saul do?

Why did Saul turn to other sources when he felt he wasn’t hearing from the Lord?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 1 Samuel we are perplexed at Saul’s decision to seek guidance from other sources. Help us in our time of decision making not to become so fearful that we seek advice from those who are not guided by You. Help us to use wisdom when seeking advice from anyone besides You. 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. We will continue with the study of The Book of 1 Samuel.

New Release:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination
by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination is a Daily Bible Reading Study of the book of Nehemiah by Deborah H. Bateman. The book of Nehemiah is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Nehemiah was led by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was a great leader. He headed up the project. Despite the opposition that the Jewish people encountered they were able to complete this major project in less than sixty days. Their dedication and determination shines through in every aspect of the project.

The Book of Nehemiah: A Story of Dedication and Determination contains eighteen Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation or discussion and a prayer for the day. This is a great Bible study that can be used for either a personal Daily Bible Reading Study or for a group Bible study.

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