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.

Christian Music Video: “We Cry Out” ~ Kari Jobe

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Featured Book:

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 “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.

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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 Pardoned” (2 Samuel 14:18-33)

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Absalom Pardoned

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 14:18-33. King David told the woman not to hide what he was about to ask her. David asked the woman if Joab was behind her coming to him with this story.

The woman couldn’t lie to the king. David was a wise man. Not much got by him. He had divine connections. She admitted to the king that Joab had put her up to coming to him and given her the story to tell him.

The king told Joab that he had taken care of the matter that the woman inquired about. He told Joab to go get Absalom and bring him back to Jerusalem.

Joab bowed down to the king thanking him for granting his wish. Joab said he knew that he had found grace in the eyes of the king because the king granted his servant’s wish.

Joab went to Geshur and got Absalom and brought him back to Jerusalem. The king told Joab that Absalom could return to his house, but he was not to see the king’s face. David was concerned about Absalom, but he wasn’t ready to see him yet.

Absalom was a handsome man. He was considered to be the most handsome man in Israel. It was said that he didn’t have a blemish from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet.

Absalom had three sons and one daughter. Absalom’s daughter had a fair countenance. She was named after Tamar, Absalom’s beloved sister.

Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without even seeing the king’s face. Absalom was getting impatient. He sent for Joab so he could go to the king to get permission for Absalom to see him, but Joab wouldn’t come. After the second request with no response, Absalom lost his patience.

He told his servant to go set Joab’s field on fire. Joab came to Absalom asking why he set his field on fire. Absalom told Joab that he had sent for him twice and he didn’t come. He said he might as well have stayed in Geshur. Absalom told Joab he wanted him to take him to see the king and if the king still was upset with him he could kill him.

Joab went to the king and told him that Absalom wanted to see him. When Joab brought Absalom in, he bowed to the king and the king kissed him.

By this time it had been five years or longer since Absalom killed Ammon. The king had mourned for his son who was killed, but he also missed Absalom. What a terrible situation to be in. No doubt the king had probably experienced all kinds of emotions, including grief, anger, despair, loneliness, and concern. Had he forgiven his son? How does a parent choose between their children?

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 14:18-33

18 Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the woman said, Let my lord the king now speak.
19 And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:
20 To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.
21 And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.
23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.
24 And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king’s face.
25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.
27 And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.
28 So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king’s face.
29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.
30 Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab’s field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.
31 Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?
32 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king’s face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.
33 So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.

Things to think about:

How did the king find out that Joab was the culprit behind this woman’s story?
What was the king’s conditions for Absalom’s return?
What did we learn about Absalom in this lesson?
How did Absalom get Joab’s attention?
What did Absalom want Joab to do?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see that You gave King David wisdom. He discerned that Joab was behind the woman’s story. Joab was able to get the king to let his son return, but their relationship was still strained. In the end we see that David still loved his son when he kissed him. Help us to realize that even when we do wrong You still love us. Our sin may grieve Your heart, but Your love outweighs our sin. Thank You for Your son who died to redeem us of our sin. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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Featured Book:

The Book of Zechariah: A Story of Dreams and Visions

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Go to: http://amazon.com/dp/B00N1ZAOAM
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Daily Bible Reading “Joab’s Plan” (2 Samuel 14:1-17)

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Joab’s Plan

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 14:1-17. Joab, who was the son of Zeruiah, realized that the king was concerned about his son, Absalom. So Joab devised a plan to try to get the king to forgive Absalom.

Joab sent to Tekoah to get a wise woman. He asked her to pretend to be a mourner. He told her to put on her mourning clothes, but not to anoint herself with oil. He wanted her appear to be a woman who had been mourning for a long time.

Joab sent the woman to speak to the king. Joab told her exactly what to say as if he was putting words in her mouth.

When the woman of Tekoah went to speak to the king, she fell on her face to the ground in honor of the king, and begged for his help.

The king asked her, what was wrong with her. She told him that her husband died and now she was a widow. She said she had two sons, who got in a fight with each other in the field. There was no one there to separate them, so one of them struck the other, and killed him.

She said her whole family had turned against her. They were asking her to deliver her son who killed his brother, so they could kill him, because he killed his brother. They wanted to destroy the only heir her husband had left leaving no one to carry on the family name.

The king told the woman to go to her house, and he would take care of the matter.

The woman of Tekoah said to the king, “My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father’s house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.”

The king told her, whoever says this to you, bring him to me, and he will not bother you any more.

She told the king, “I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that you wouldn’t suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son.” The king replied, “As the LORD lives, there will not one hair of your son fall to the earth.”

The woman said, Let your handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word to my lord the king. He told her to go ahead.

The woman asked the king if he had thought such a thing against the people of God. She told him that he spake like one who was guilty, in that the king had not brought home his son who was banished.

We must die because we are like water spilled on the ground, which can’t be gathered up again. God does not respect any person: yet he devises ways so his banished aren’t expelled from him.

She told the king that she came to talk to him about this matter because she was afraid of the people. She said that she thought if she spoke to the king; it may be that he would perform the request of his handmaid.

The king will hear and deliver his handmaid from the hand of the man who wants to destroy me and my son both from the inheritance of God.

The handmaid told the king, “The word of my lord the king will now be comfortable.” You are like an angel of God to be able to discern good from evil. May the LORD your God be with you.

Instead of Joab going to King David and talking to him about the situation, he sent an intercessor. We have an intercessor between us and God. It is Jesus Christ who intercedes for us with the heavenly father.

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 14:1-17

1 Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was toward Absalom.
2 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:
3 And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.
4 And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.
5 And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.
6 And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.
7 And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.
8 And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee.
9 And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father’s house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.
10 And the king said, Whosoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.
11 Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.
12 Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.
13 And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.
14 For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.
15 Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.
16 For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.
17 Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.

Things to think about:

What was Joab’s concern for the king?
What was Joab’s plan?
Who did Joab get to help him carry out his plan?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture we see that Joab was concerned for King David. He could tell that David was worried about his son, Absalom and missing him. Joab had an intercessor to plead the cause for him. Thank You for Your son, Jesus, who intercedes on our behalf. Thank You for the inheritance that we have in heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video:

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
Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Daily Bible Reading “Absalom Seeks Revenge” (2 Samuel 13:19-39)

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Deborah H. Bateman

Absalom Seeks Revenge

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from 2 Samuel 13:19-39. Tamar was so upset about what her brother Ammon did she put ashes on her head and tore her multicolored garment. She put her head in her hands and cried.

Her brother Absalom saw her distress and asked if her brother Ammon had been with her. He advised her to hold her peace because Ammon was her brother. So Tamar remained in desolation at her brother Absalom’s house.

When King David heard what happened he was angry. Absalom didn’t speak to his brother from that day forward. He was angry with Ammon for forcing himself on his sister.

Two years later, Absalom and his sheep shearers were in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim. Absalom went to the king and invited the king, his servants and all the king’s sons to join them.

The king didn’t think it necessary for him and all his servants to join Absalom, because they would be burdensome to him. But the king gave Absalom his blessings.

Absalom insisted that the king allow his sons to join him and his sheep shearers. The king finally gave in and allowed his sons to go with Absalom.

Absalom instructed his servants to wait until Ammon was drunk on wine and when he told them to they were to kill him. Absalom’s servants did as he requested and killed Ammon.

When the other brothers saw what happened they got on their donkeys and left. They may have feared for their life as well.

The king heard that Absalom had killed all of his sons. He was so upset he laid on the ground and he and his servants tore their clothes.

Jonadab came and told David not all of his sons were killed, only Ammon. He also told David that Absalom had it in his heart to do away with Ammon ever since he took advantage of his sister, Tamar.

Absolom fled and the man who kept watch saw many people coming behind him.

Jonadab told the king that his sons were coming home and as soon as he got done telling him they arrived. The king, his sons, and his servants were distraught over Ammon’s death. They all shed tears of grief.

Absalom fled. He went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, who was the king of Geshur. Absalom stayed in Geshur for three years.

His father, King David, mourned for his son every day. After three years David was comforted concerning his son Ammon, who was dead, but David longed to go to Absalom.

This is one of those tough family situations that went from bad to worse. David’s heart had to be grieved. His family was torn apart by all these incidents. His children turned on one another. Ammon violated his daughter, Tamar and Absalom killed his brother, Ammon. Can you imagine how broken David’s heart must have been?

I’m sure David never imagined that anything like this would take place in his family. Sometimes the people we love the most and are closest to hurt us the worse. Have you ever had tough situations in your family that broke your heart? Maybe you haven’t had anything to this extent or maybe you have. Either way when our heart is broken all we can do is turn to God for comfort.

As you’ve probably heard it said a million times “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” This is a perfect example of that statement. Absalom let his anger get the best of him. It is understandable that he would be angry and upset in this situation, but taking his brother’s life didn’t help the situation any. It only made the situation worse than it already was.

Romans 12:19 tells us, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Daily Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 13:19-39

19 And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.
20 And Absalom her brother said unto her, Hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? but hold now thy peace, my sister: he is thy brother; regard not this thing. So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house.
21 But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth.
22 And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.
23 And it came to pass after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baalhazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.
24 And Absalom came to the king, and said, Behold now, thy servant hath sheepshearers; let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go with thy servant.
25 And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto thee. And he pressed him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him.
26 Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee?
27 But Absalom pressed him, that he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him.
28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.
29 And the servants of Absalom did unto Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and every man gat him up upon his mule, and fled.
30 And it came to pass, while they were in the way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom hath slain all the king’s sons, and there is not one of them left.
31 Then the king arose, and tare his garments, and lay on the earth; and all his servants stood by with their clothes rent.
32 And Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David’s brother, answered and said, Let not my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men the king’s sons; for Amnon only is dead: for by the appointment of Absalom this hath been determined from the day that he forced his sister Tamar.
33 Now therefore let not my lord the king take the thing to his heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead: for Amnon only is dead.
34 But Absalom fled. And the young man that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came much people by the way of the hill side behind him.
35 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, the king’s sons come: as thy servant said, so it is.
36 And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of speaking, that, behold, the king’s sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: and the king also and all his servants wept very sore.
37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai, the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day.
38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.
39 And the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

Things to think about:

What did Absalom tell Tamar to do about what Ammon did to her?
How did Absalom plan to get revenge on Ammon?
Did his plan work?
How did Absalom’s revenge affect his family?
Who should we turn to when life gets too hard to handle?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we study this Scripture in 2 Samuel we see the turmoil that took place in King David’s family. We can see that his heart was broken over these circumstances in his family. Thank God he had You to turn to in his time of trouble. David loved You and You loved him. Help us to turn to You for the comfort we need when life is tough. Help us to keep our emotions under control when life is out of our control. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Christian Music Video: “I Go to the Rock” ~ Whitney Houston