Stolen hearts
2 Sam 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
There is no evidence that Absalom was a man of God. He was a worldly man, a king's son seeking power as the spirit of the world's king, Lucifer.
Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
He was making a grand show of his power before the people, exalting himself, seeking favor of the people. Parading himself in majesty.
Prov 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Prov 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Prov 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
2 Sam 15:2 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.
2 Sam 15:3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.
2 Sam 15:4 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!
Absalom was eroding away the power of his father, seeking favor of the people. Sometimes in a church setting an evangelist may come saying, I love you people, stealing the affections of the people. Sometimes a pastor will be offended, because he is accountable to them, he is their shepherd. Love is needed from everyone, but taking the authority away is not acceptable. A visiting minister must submit to the authority of the pastor. Likewise, Absalom should not have acted apart from his father in seeking positions of power.
2 Sam 15:5 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.
2 Sam 15:6 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.
This says it: he stole the hearts of all Israel, from King David.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Hebron
2 Sam 15:7 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.
Absalom was forty years old when his plan began to unfold. He would steal away the kingdom from his father, David. David was more honorable. God had chosen David, and anointed him. He served with honor the king. King Saul from envy tried for many years to destroy David, but David never once lifted his hand against Saul, who he considered the anointed king. He respected Saul in word and in actions, even morning his death. Absalom did not respect the king, his father, who was the anointed king of Israel. He was next in line to be king, but he would not wait, he wanted to take the kingdom by subtle means.
He claimed to be doing something "spiritual," paying a vow to God. When we do things our way, we sometimes fool ourselves into saying are being spiritual, when in truth, it is the self, the work of the flesh. As the prophet Nathan said to king Saul, obedience is better than sacrifice.
2 Sam 15:8 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.
2 Sam 15:9 And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.
2 Sam 15:10 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.
Now the true intent of his heart is known. David loved Absalom and trusted him. Absalom lied, and was not committed to his father, or to God. He had a different god, the god of lying, the subtle one who came to steal and to destroy. Absalom through flattery and scheming had aligned himself with others to carry out this plot to begin to steal his father's kingdom. He had stolen away the peoples hearts, now he sought to steal the kingdom from his father.
Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
There will be false ones come to steal away the affections of the people of God. They have another god and seek to build their own kingdom. They have another spirit. Discern the spirits, if you are in God's kingdom you have his Spirit of truth. Know God, know his word and you will not follow another with subtle ways.
We do not promote ourselves. We wait for the promotion from our Father.
Mat 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Be faithful and wait upon the Lord.
Conspiracy
2 Sam 15:11 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.
These were well known men of position. They did not know what Absalom was up to. By remaining silent it was as if they approved of Absalom's plan. It may have been if they had spoken out against Absalom, that they would have been imprisoned or killed. Some people go as the wind blows, caring more for money or power, than honor and righteousness. What would you do if it were you?
2 Th 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
2 Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.
2 Th 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
2 Th 2:6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
2 Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
When the Holy Spirit is out of the way, the antichrist comes into power. Those who are of God's Spirit are the restrainers of sin, we must be the light and not allow sin to take over.
2 Sam 15:12 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.
Absalom offers sacrifices as if he were pleasing God. Be assured God is not pleased with conspiracies and rebellion. He put on a show for others to see. He called his father's counselor, Ahithophel, the grandfather to Bathsheba. He sided with Absalom which gave Absalom the appearance of being a true king, instead of a spoiled brat. Other people joined with Absalom. Later, when Absalom did not follow the advice of Ahithophel, the counsellor killed himself. Suicide can be the result of self contempt because of bad choices made, that the person cannot bare to face. Absalom will have his day, but God is not mocked. God watches over Israel and he has not removed the anointing from David.
The king withdraws
2 Sam 15:13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
2 Sam 15:14 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.
Is Absalom a type of the antichrist?
Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Mat 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
David's reaction was to flee with his servants. He was trying to prevent a bloodbath. David had a shepherds heart. If the people were with Absalom, he would not fight them. Absalom was determined to gain power, David still loved Absalom, with a fathers heart. Yet as a shepherd and king, he had a responsibility to protect his kingdom.
Mat 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
2 Sam 15:15 And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.
David was the anointed king. Absalom in his quest for power must answer to God who had appointed David as king. His servants were loyal to him. We should be servants, as Jesus was a servant, He did not come seeking his own will, but he submitted to the will of the Father. David understood submitting to authority. We are not to seek power and prominence. Satan will help you, but in the end it will require your life. Then you are left without hope.
2 Sam 15:16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
Having mistresses and many wives, certainly was not God's pattern. They were just property, left behind in the palace to care for it. Why were they not included with the servants who fled? Jesus loved those who were not loved by the world. The woman who put ointment on his feet was a precious story of love given and returned by Jesus. He honored Mary Magdalene by seeing her first after the resurrection. The harlot, Rahab was in the blood line of Jesus through Joseph, his legal earthly father. Sin hurts others, especially lust to satisfy ones own desires, leaving sadness in another. The concubines were used to being left behind. Jesus does not leave you.
2 Sam 15:17 And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
2 Sam 15:18 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.
The Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, were the royal guards. The Gittites had been faithful to David since he was in exhile among the Philistines. Foreigners continued with David, but his own people rejected him. This sounds like our Lord Jesus, who was rejected by his own and was received by the Gentiles. At this time of sadness David wrote a Psalm.
Psa 55:4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.
Psa 55:5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.
Psa 55:6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.
Psa 55:7 Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah.
Psa 55:8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.
He also wrote Psalms 61-63 during this time. From despair, came a beautiful heart poured out to the Lord.
Ark is returned
2 Sam 15:24 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.
2 Sam 15:25 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 show me both it, and his habitation:
The ark of the covenant was the place that God's Spirit dwelt with Israel. A sinful Israel had used the ark as a battle weapon, a religious ikon or a lucky omen. Only to lose the battle and having the ark taken into the enemies land.
1 Sam 4:10 And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.
1 Sam 4:11 And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.
David commanded Zadok the priest to carry the ark back to it's resting place. David had sinned, he would not rely on the ark, but instead he would seek God. He was relying on the justice and mercy of God, he knew that God would be righteous.
2 Sam 15:26 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.
David was submitting himself unto God. He truly loved God and trusted in him. He would recive from Him, as he wishes to do to him. Are we like David? Do we submit to God's will instead of our own, especially when the enemy comes? He truly was after God's heart.
2 Sam 15:27 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.
2 Sam 15:28 See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.
2 Sam 15:29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.
Zadok truly was a prophet of God, and he was faithful to David. He was not following Absalom, which could cost him his life. As a seer, one who hears from God, he would be alert and he could bring news to David: news of what was happening in Israel and news and direction from God. If we want news, how much better it is to hear from God instead of the viewpoint of the world.
Mount Olivet
2 Sam 15:30 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.
David went weeping up to Mt Olivet, the same place that Jesus went, also with many tears because the crucifixion was near. David went barefoot as if onto holy ground.
Mat 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.
Mat 26:39 And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Mat 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?
Jesus' disciples slept, whereas David's friends wept with him. David came weeping for his sins and the sins of his son, Absalom. Jesus wept for Israel and for the difficult path ahead of him, but he was without sins. He would take our sins upon him to the cross.
Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
God does use the willingness of our hearts to bring us to himself. They were not willing. Do not teach that our will is not part of the process of salvation. God does not force us to be saved, we must respond to his call.
Mat 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
Mat 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Jesus has no sins and is God the word eternal, come down in a human to pay for our sins. Jesus is God's love come down to mankind.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
David had a sinful son, Absalom. David had sinned many times, but always came to God. Absalom followed the physical sins of his fathers failings. Jesus came with the nature of his heavenly Father.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
While ministering on earth, Jesus called himself, the son of man. He was the good son of David through the lineage of Mary and Joseph, but he followed the will and the heart of His heavenly Father.
Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Both David the king and Jesus, son of David, the eternal king, shed tears of sorrows before God the Father, on the Mount of Olives. Perhaps those tears were soaked up by the olive trees and the olives brought forth the oil of anointing, the Holy Spirit came through the obedience of Jesus, through many shared tears. He shares your sorrows and gives you the oil of gladness. As the Spirit spoke through the prophet Isaiah.
Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Through shed tears comes cleansing and joy. A new day is coming a new kingdom of eternal peace and joy. We shall see the king!
Foolishness
2 Sam 15:31 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.
David learns that his wise counselor has defected to Absalom. He must not have been so wise, certainly he was not loyal. Perhaps he was seeking a name for himself? Or, perhaps he was selling his memoirs of King David and found it more profitable to expose the sins of the king, like some of today's politicians. A man respected as being with the king, turns against him. He was a traitor. David had many sins, but Absalom was in rebellion, certainly he was no spiritual match for his father. David prayed to God that he turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. The words of Ahithophel may appear as foolishness to a foolish son of the world. David confessed his own foolishness to God.
Psa 69:5 O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.
Psa 69:6 Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
Psa 69:7 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.
Psa 69:8 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.
Psa 69:9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
The things of God appear as foolishness to the world. Without God we do not have truth or good judgment.
1 Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Prov 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
Hushai the Archite
2 Sam 15:32 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:
Hushai, was the kings companion and friend. He came bearing the news of Ahithopel defecting to Absalom. He showed his distress and mourning for his king by torn clothing and dirt on his head. David had come down from the Mount of Olives to greet his loyal companion. Jesus was greeted on the Mount of Olives by one of his disciples, Judas, who betrayed him with a kiss. Jesus knew he was to die on the cross for the sins of all men, but woe to he who betrayed him. Jesus answered the question of Pilate, with a warning.
John 19:10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
1 Chr 27:33 And Ahithophel was the king's counsellor: and Hushai the Archite was the king's companion:
2 Sam 15:33 Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:
Ahithopel had betrayed king David, he was as a Judas to David. Hushai comes bearing bad news and his allegiance to David, but David needed him in another place to serve him better. He would do no good mourning, he had a better service to do for the king.
After our Lord ascended into the clouds, there may have been sadness and confusion, but two angels reminded his disciples of what Jesus had said.
Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Acts 1:12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
David told his friend to return to the city; there was work for him to do.
2 Sam 15:34 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.
David's friend was given two commands. He was to return to the city and offer himself as the servant of Absalom, to defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. He was also to report all that he heard to Zadok the priest who would get word back to David.
2 Sam 15:35 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.
2 Sam 15:36 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.
2 Sam 15:37 So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
David would receive truth through his friend Hushai. Holy men would speak all that they hear to the king. King Jesus also has a companion, the Holy Spirit of truth, who will report to us all truth that he hears from God, the Father and His Son, Jesus.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.
Two things to remember from this lesson. We are to do the work of King Jesus and not to dwell in sorrow. Our service is needed and he will supply us with truth from his word and from the one sent to us to bring us the word of God, the Holy Spirit. We are to continue until the king returns in glory.
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