Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

2 Samuel 15 Study Notes: Absalom's Revolt and David's Flight

Absalom wins Israel's loyalty by flattery at the city gate, then has himself proclaimed king at Hebron with Ahithophel's support. David flees Jerusalem in tears, accepts Ittai's loyalty, sends the ark back, and sends Hushai back to defeat Ahithophel's advice.

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General

What did Absalom tell people arriving at the gate with a case for the king (2 Samuel 15:3-4)?

Answer: Their claim was good, but no one would hear it

Absalom rose early and stood by the way into the gate, where disputes were brought for judgment. He asked each person’s town, then told him his case was sound but the king had appointed no one to listen to him, and he wished aloud that he were made judge so that everyone could come to him for justice (15:2-4). He declared every case right without hearing the other side. Proverbs observes that whoever speaks first sounds right until the other side questions him (Proverbs 18:17), and the law required judges to be impartial (Deuteronomy 16:19). Absalom’s promise of justice was really a bid for power.

  • 2 Samuel 15:3 (BSB)
    “Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.””
    Absalom tells each complainant his case is good but the king has no one to hear it.
  • 2 Samuel 15:4 (BSB)
    “And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.””
    Absalom wishes aloud that he were made judge so he could give everyone justice.
  • Proverbs 18:17 (BSB)
    “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.”
    The first to state his case seems right until another examines him.
  • Deuteronomy 16:19 (BSB)
    “Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.”
    True judges must not deny justice or show partiality.

Theological

How did Absalom respond to Israelites bringing disputes to the king (2 Samuel 15:3-4)?

Answer: Their claim was good, but no one would hear it

Stationed by the gate, Absalom told every plaintiff that his claim was sound but that the king had appointed nobody to listen, then wished aloud to be made judge so that all might receive justice from him (15:2-4). He pronounced verdicts without hearing the other party, the very error Proverbs 18:17 exposes, and courted favor in a way contrary to the impartiality the law demanded of judges (Deuteronomy 16:19). His concern for justice was a pretext for seizing power.

  • 2 Samuel 15:3 (BSB)
    “Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you.””
    Absalom tells each complainant his case is good but the king has no one to hear it.
  • 2 Samuel 15:4 (BSB)
    “And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice.””
    Absalom wishes aloud that he were made judge so he could give everyone justice.
  • Proverbs 18:17 (BSB)
    “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.”
    The first to state his case seems right until another examines him.
  • Deuteronomy 16:19 (BSB)
    “Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.”
    True judges must not deny justice or show partiality.

General

What did Absalom provide for himself some time after his return (2 Samuel 15:1)?

Answer: A chariot, horses and fifty runners

Some time after he was restored to his father, Absalom equipped himself with a chariot, horses, and fifty runners to go before him (15:1). This was the outward display of a king. Samuel had warned Israel that a king would take their sons to serve as runners for his chariots (1 Samuel 8:11). Later another of David’s sons, Adonijah, made a very similar display, with chariots, horsemen and fifty runners, when he set out to make himself king (1 Kings 1:5). Absalom was presenting himself as royalty while his father still reigned.

  • 2 Samuel 15:1 (BSB)
    “Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him.”
    Absalom equips himself with a chariot, horses and fifty runners.
  • 1 Samuel 8:11 (BSB)
    “He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots.”
    Samuel had warned that a king would take men to run before his chariots.
  • 1 Kings 1:5 (BSB)
    “At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.”
    Later Adonijah, another son of David, made a similar display when he exalted himself to be king.

Theological

What royal display did Absalom adopt in 2 Samuel 15:1?

Answer: A chariot, horses and fifty runners

Absalom acquired a chariot, horses and fifty runners (15:1), the trappings of kingship Samuel had described (1 Samuel 8:11). A very similar display reappears when Adonijah exalts himself as heir (1 Kings 1:5). It is a public claim to royal status while David still reigns, the first visible step of the conspiracy.

  • 2 Samuel 15:1 (BSB)
    “Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him.”
    Absalom equips himself with a chariot, horses and fifty runners.
  • 1 Samuel 8:11 (BSB)
    “He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots.”
    Samuel had warned that a king would take men to run before his chariots.
  • 1 Kings 1:5 (BSB)
    “At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him.”
    Later Adonijah, another son of David, made a similar display when he exalted himself to be king.

General

When people came to bow before Absalom, what did he do, and with what result (2 Samuel 15:5-6)?

Answer: He took hold of them and kissed them, winning them over

When anyone came near to pay him homage, Absalom reached out, grasped him, and kissed him, treating every Israelite who came for justice this way (15:5-6). The narrator says that by these means he stole the loyalty of the Israelites, drawing it away from David by deception. Proverbs warns that an enemy’s kisses deceive (Proverbs 27:6), and Paul says that smooth words and flattering speech mislead naive people (Romans 16:18). As one of David’s psalms says, speech can be smooth while war is in the heart (Psalm 55:21).

  • 2 Samuel 15:5-6 (BSB)
    “Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”
    Absalom takes hold of those who bow to him and kisses them, winning the people over.
  • Proverbs 27:6 (BSB)
    “The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
    The kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
  • Romans 16:18 (BSB)
    “For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”
    Smooth talk and flattery deceive the hearts of the naive.
  • Psalm 55:21 (BSB)
    “His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.”
    Smooth speech can hide war in the heart.

Theological

What did Absalom do when people came to bow before him, and with what result (2 Samuel 15:5-6)?

Answer: He took hold of them and kissed them, winning them over

When people came to bow before him, Absalom took hold of each one and kissed him (15:5), and so, the narrator says, he stole the loyalty of Israel (15:6), alienating the people’s loyalty from David by deceit. Scripture identifies this pattern: an enemy’s kisses are deceitful (Proverbs 27:6), flattery deceives the naive (Romans 16:18), and smooth words can conceal hostility (Psalm 55:21).

  • 2 Samuel 15:5-6 (BSB)
    “Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.”
    Absalom takes hold of those who bow to him and kisses them, winning the people over.
  • Proverbs 27:6 (BSB)
    “The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
    The kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
  • Romans 16:18 (BSB)
    “For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”
    Smooth talk and flattery deceive the hearts of the naive.
  • Psalm 55:21 (BSB)
    “His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.”
    Smooth speech can hide war in the heart.

General

Which of David’s counselors did Absalom summon while offering sacrifices at Hebron (2 Samuel 15:12)?

Answer: Ahithophel the Gilonite

Two hundred men went with Absalom from Jerusalem as invited guests, knowing nothing of his plan (15:11). While offering sacrifices, Absalom summoned Ahithophel, the Gilonite who had been David’s counselor, from his town of Giloh, and the conspiracy grew stronger as Absalom’s following increased (15:12). Ahithophel’s advice was so highly regarded that it was treated like an answer from God Himself (16:23), so his defection was a heavy blow. One of David’s psalms speaks of the bitter pain of being betrayed not by an enemy but by a close companion (Psalm 55:12-14).

  • 2 Samuel 15:12 (BSB)
    “While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.”
    Absalom summons Ahithophel, David’s counselor, and the conspiracy grows.
  • 2 Samuel 16:23 (BSB)
    “Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.”
    Ahithophel’s advice was regarded like an answer from God, by both David and Absalom.
  • Psalm 55:12-14 (BSB)
    “For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.”
    David’s psalm describes the special pain of betrayal by a close companion.

Theological

Which royal counselor joined Absalom’s conspiracy at Hebron (2 Samuel 15:12)?

Answer: Ahithophel the Gilonite

Absalom took two hundred unwitting guests from Jerusalem (15:11) and, during the sacrifices, summoned Ahithophel, the Gilonite who counseled David, after which the conspiracy gathered strength (15:12). Ahithophel’s counsel was esteemed as though it were an oracle of God (16:23), making his defection grave. David’s psalm on betrayal by an intimate companion expresses the same kind of wound (Psalm 55:12-14).

  • 2 Samuel 15:12 (BSB)
    “While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.”
    Absalom summons Ahithophel, David’s counselor, and the conspiracy grows.
  • 2 Samuel 16:23 (BSB)
    “Now in those days the advice of Ahithophel was like the consultation of the word of God. Such was the regard that both David and Absalom had for Ahithophel’s advice.”
    Ahithophel’s advice was regarded like an answer from God, by both David and Absalom.
  • Psalm 55:12-14 (BSB)
    “For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.”
    David’s psalm describes the special pain of betrayal by a close companion.

General

When Zadok and the Levites brought the ark out with the departing people, what did David tell Zadok to do (2 Samuel 15:25)?

Answer: Take the ark back into the city where it belonged

Zadok and the Levites brought out the ark, the sacred chest that represented God’s presence among His people, and Abiathar kept sacrificing while everyone left the city (15:24). David told Zadok to return the ark to Jerusalem, and Zadok and Abiathar did so (15:25, 29). David left his return to the LORD’s favor rather than taking the ark with him (15:25-26). Generations earlier Israel had taken the ark into battle hoping it would save them, and it was captured (1 Samuel 4:3, 11). David looked to the LORD Himself, not to a sacred object.

  • 2 Samuel 15:24-25 (BSB)
    “Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city. Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again.”
    Zadok and the Levites bring the ark, and David tells Zadok to return it to the city.
  • 2 Samuel 15:29 (BSB)
    “So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and stayed there.”
    Zadok and Abiathar take the ark back to Jerusalem.
  • 1 Samuel 4:3 (BSB)
    “When the troops returned to the camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why has the LORD brought defeat on us before the Philistines today? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh, so that it may go with us to save us from the hand of our enemies.””
    Earlier Israel had carried the ark into battle as though it would save them.
  • 1 Samuel 4:11 (BSB)
    “The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.”
    That time the ark was captured.

Theological

What did David instruct Zadok to do with the ark as he fled (2 Samuel 15:25)?

Answer: Take the ark back into the city where it belonged

Zadok and the Levites brought out the ark while Abiathar sacrificed (15:24), but David sent it back to Jerusalem, and the priests returned it (15:25, 29). He left his return to the LORD’s favor (15:25-26) rather than carrying the ark as a guarantee, unlike Israel in Eli’s day, who carried it into battle as a guarantee of victory and lost it (1 Samuel 4:3, 11). David’s confidence rested in the LORD, not in the symbol of His presence.

  • 2 Samuel 15:24-25 (BSB)
    “Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had passed out of the city. Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again.”
    Zadok and the Levites bring the ark, and David tells Zadok to return it to the city.
  • 2 Samuel 15:29 (BSB)
    “So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and stayed there.”
    Zadok and Abiathar take the ark back to Jerusalem.
  • 1 Samuel 4:3 (BSB)
    “When the troops returned to the camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why has the LORD brought defeat on us before the Philistines today? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh, so that it may go with us to save us from the hand of our enemies.””
    Earlier Israel had carried the ark into battle as though it would save them.
  • 1 Samuel 4:11 (BSB)
    “The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, died.”
    That time the ark was captured.

General

When word came that Israel’s hearts were with Absalom, what did David decide (2 Samuel 15:14)?

Answer: To leave the city quickly with his servants

A messenger told David that the people’s loyalty had gone over to Absalom (15:13). David told his servants they must flee at once, or Absalom would overtake them, bring disaster on them, and strike the city with the sword (15:14). His servants pledged to do whatever he decided, and he left with his household, leaving ten concubines to care for the palace (15:15-16). This is the adversity from David’s own house that the LORD had announced through Nathan (12:11). Psalm 3, whose heading ties it to the time David fled from Absalom, opens with his lament over how many have risen against him (Psalm 3:1).

  • 2 Samuel 15:14 (BSB)
    “And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.””
    David orders an immediate flight to spare the city and escape Absalom.
  • 2 Samuel 12:11 (BSB)
    “This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight.”
    The LORD had said He would raise up adversity against David from his own house.
  • Psalm 3:1 (BSB)
    “A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me!”
    David’s psalm written when he fled from Absalom laments how many have risen against him.

Theological

What was David’s response to the news that Israel had gone over to Absalom (2 Samuel 15:14)?

Answer: To leave the city quickly with his servants

On hearing that Israel’s hearts were with Absalom (15:13), David ordered immediate flight, lest Absalom overtake them and strike the city (15:14). His servants pledged obedience, and the household departed, leaving ten concubines to keep the palace (15:15-16). The rebellion is the adversity from within David’s house announced in Nathan’s oracle (12:11), and Psalm 3, headed as written when David fled from Absalom, gives voice to his distress (Psalm 3:1).

  • 2 Samuel 15:14 (BSB)
    “And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword.””
    David orders an immediate flight to spare the city and escape Absalom.
  • 2 Samuel 12:11 (BSB)
    “This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight.”
    The LORD had said He would raise up adversity against David from his own house.
  • Psalm 3:1 (BSB)
    “A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me!”
    David’s psalm written when he fled from Absalom laments how many have risen against him.

General

True or False: David told Zadok that if the LORD no longer delighted in him, he would accept whatever the LORD saw fit to do with him.

Answer: True

This is true. David said that if he found favor in the LORD’s eyes, the LORD would bring him back to see the ark and its dwelling place again; but if the LORD said He did not delight in him, David would accept whatever seemed good to Him (15:25-26). David did not presume on God’s favor or try to force it, but placed his future in God’s hands. Yet he still acted wisely, arranging for news from the city (15:27-28). Scripture shows the same humble submission in Eli and in Job (1 Samuel 3:18; Job 1:21). God rules over all events, and His people trust Him while still doing what is right and prudent.

  • 2 Samuel 15:25 (BSB)
    “Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again.”
    David says that if he finds favor, the LORD will bring him back to see the ark and its dwelling.
  • 2 Samuel 15:26 (BSB)
    “But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.””
    David puts himself in the LORD’s hands, whatever He decides.
  • 1 Samuel 3:18 (BSB)
    “So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.””
    Eli had likewise submitted to the LORD’s judgment, letting Him do what was good in His eyes.
  • Job 1:21 (BSB)
    “saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.””
    Job blessed the LORD’s name whether He gave or took away.

Theological

True or False: In sending back the ark, David committed his future to the LORD, saying that if God had no delight in him he would accept whatever God judged good.

Answer: True

This is true. David’s words entrust the outcome wholly to God: restoration if he finds favor, and submission to whatever the LORD judges good if not (15:25-26). This resignation sits alongside prudent action, such as arranging intelligence from the city (15:27-28); trust in God’s sovereign rule does not cancel responsible means. The same submission appears in Eli and Job (1 Samuel 3:18; Job 1:21).

  • 2 Samuel 15:25 (BSB)
    “Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again.”
    David says that if he finds favor, the LORD will bring him back to see the ark and its dwelling.
  • 2 Samuel 15:26 (BSB)
    “But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.””
    David puts himself in the LORD’s hands, whatever He decides.
  • 1 Samuel 3:18 (BSB)
    “So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.””
    Eli had likewise submitted to the LORD’s judgment, letting Him do what was good in His eyes.
  • Job 1:21 (BSB)
    “saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.””
    Job blessed the LORD’s name whether He gave or took away.

General

What reason did Absalom give David for going to Hebron (2 Samuel 15:7-8)?

Answer: To keep a vow to worship the LORD there

After four years, Absalom asked permission to go to Hebron, claiming he had vowed while in Geshur that if the LORD brought him back to Jerusalem he would offer worship to the LORD at Hebron (15:7-8). David sent him off in peace (15:9). The vow was a cover: Absalom sent agents through all the tribes with word that when the horn sounded they should proclaim him king in Hebron (15:10). Hebron was the town where David himself had been anointed king over Judah (2:4). Proverbs says a sacrifice brought with evil intent is especially detestable (Proverbs 21:27); Absalom used worship as a mask for rebellion.

  • 2 Samuel 15:7-8 (BSB)
    “After four years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I have made to the LORD. For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: ‘If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.’””
    Absalom asks leave to go to Hebron to fulfill a vow made in Geshur.
  • 2 Samuel 15:10 (BSB)
    “Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’””
    Absalom’s agents are told to proclaim him king at the sound of the horn.
  • Proverbs 21:27 (BSB)
    “The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with ill intent!”
    A sacrifice brought with evil intent is especially detestable.
  • 2 Samuel 2:4 (BSB)
    “Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.””
    Hebron was where David had first been anointed king over Judah.

Theological

What pretext did Absalom use to travel to Hebron (2 Samuel 15:7-8)?

Answer: To keep a vow to worship the LORD there

Absalom claimed a vow made in Geshur to offer worship to the LORD at Hebron if restored to Jerusalem (15:7-8), and David sent him in peace (15:9). The religious pretext concealed a coup: agents were to proclaim him king at the signal of the horn (15:10), in the very city where David had been anointed king over Judah (2:4). Worship offered as a cover for treason is what Proverbs 21:27 calls doubly detestable.

  • 2 Samuel 15:7-8 (BSB)
    “After four years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I have made to the LORD. For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: ‘If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.’””
    Absalom asks leave to go to Hebron to fulfill a vow made in Geshur.
  • 2 Samuel 15:10 (BSB)
    “Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’””
    Absalom’s agents are told to proclaim him king at the sound of the horn.
  • Proverbs 21:27 (BSB)
    “The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable—how much more so when brought with ill intent!”
    A sacrifice brought with evil intent is especially detestable.
  • 2 Samuel 2:4 (BSB)
    “Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.””
    Hebron was where David had first been anointed king over Judah.

General

What task did David give Hushai the Archite at the top of the hill (2 Samuel 15:34)?

Answer: To pose as Absalom’s servant and foil Ahithophel’s advice

At the summit, a place where David had worshiped God, Hushai met him in mourning, his robe ripped and his head dusted with earth (15:32), right after David had prayed about Ahithophel. David said Hushai would only burden him on the road, but in the city he could frustrate Ahithophel’s counsel by offering to serve Absalom as he had served David (15:33-34). Hushai did go to Absalom and greet him as king (16:16), and his advice was later chosen over Ahithophel’s (17:14). The narrator credits that outcome to the LORD’s purpose.

  • 2 Samuel 15:32 (BSB)
    “When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.”
    Hushai the Archite meets David at the summit in mourning.
  • 2 Samuel 15:34 (BSB)
    “But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’”
    David sends Hushai back to offer service to Absalom and defeat Ahithophel’s counsel.
  • 2 Samuel 16:16 (BSB)
    “And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!””
    Hushai later greets Absalom as king.
  • 2 Samuel 17:14 (BSB)
    “Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.”
    Absalom and Israel judge Hushai’s advice better than Ahithophel’s.

Theological

What commission did David give Hushai the Archite (2 Samuel 15:34)?

Answer: To pose as Absalom’s servant and foil Ahithophel’s advice

Hushai met David at the summit, a place of David’s former worship, in mourning dress (15:32), immediately following David’s prayer about Ahithophel. David sent him back to profess service to Absalom and so defeat Ahithophel’s counsel (15:33-34). Hushai did present himself to Absalom as king (16:16), and his counsel prevailed over Ahithophel’s (17:14), which the narrator attributes to the LORD’s purpose.

  • 2 Samuel 15:32 (BSB)
    “When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head.”
    Hushai the Archite meets David at the summit in mourning.
  • 2 Samuel 15:34 (BSB)
    “But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’”
    David sends Hushai back to offer service to Absalom and defeat Ahithophel’s counsel.
  • 2 Samuel 16:16 (BSB)
    “And David’s friend Hushai the Archite went to Absalom and said to him, “Long live the king! Long live the king!””
    Hushai later greets Absalom as king.
  • 2 Samuel 17:14 (BSB)
    “Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.”
    Absalom and Israel judge Hushai’s advice better than Ahithophel’s.

General

How did Ittai the Gittite answer when David urged him to turn back (2 Samuel 15:21)?

Answer: He swore to be wherever the king was, in life or death

Ittai was from Gath, a Philistine city, and had come to David only recently as a foreigner and exile. David urged him to return and remain with Absalom, the new ruler, rather than wander with a fleeing one, and he blessed him, asking the LORD to show him His loving devotion and His faithfulness (15:19-20). Ittai swore by the LORD and by the king’s life that wherever the king was, whether for life or death, he would be there too (15:21), and David let him march on with his men and their families (15:22). His words recall Ruth, another foreigner who vowed to go wherever Naomi went until death (Ruth 1:16-17). A true friend shows his love in adversity (Proverbs 17:17), and here that faithfulness came from an outsider while David’s own son rebelled.

  • 2 Samuel 15:19-20 (BSB)
    “Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.””
    David urges Ittai, a foreigner who has just arrived, to go back.
  • 2 Samuel 15:21 (BSB)
    “But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!””
    Ittai swears to stay with the king in life or death.
  • Ruth 1:16-17 (BSB)
    “But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.””
    Ruth, also a foreigner, vowed to go wherever Naomi went until death.
  • Proverbs 17:17 (BSB)
    “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
    A true friend loves at all times and stands firm in adversity.

Theological

What oath did Ittai the Gittite take when David released him (2 Samuel 15:21)?

Answer: He swore to be wherever the king was, in life or death

David urged Ittai, a recently arrived foreign exile from Gath, to return to the new king, and blessed him, invoking the LORD’s loving devotion and His faithfulness toward him (15:19-20). Ittai swore by the LORD and by the king’s life to be wherever the king was, in life or death (15:21), and marched on with his household (15:22). His oath echoes Ruth’s (Ruth 1:16-17), and his loyalty in adversity is the friendship Proverbs 17:17 describes. A Philistine exile proves faithful while the king’s own son proves treacherous.

  • 2 Samuel 15:19-20 (BSB)
    “Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness.””
    David urges Ittai, a foreigner who has just arrived, to go back.
  • 2 Samuel 15:21 (BSB)
    “But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!””
    Ittai swears to stay with the king in life or death.
  • Ruth 1:16-17 (BSB)
    “But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.””
    Ruth, also a foreigner, vowed to go wherever Naomi went until death.
  • Proverbs 17:17 (BSB)
    “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
    A true friend loves at all times and stands firm in adversity.

General

When David learned that Ahithophel was among the conspirators, what did he pray (2 Samuel 15:31)?

Answer: That the LORD would make Ahithophel’s advice foolish

Hearing that Ahithophel had joined Absalom’s conspiracy, David asked the LORD to turn Ahithophel’s advice into foolishness (15:31). He knew how dangerous that counsel was, yet he took his fear straight to God. The LORD answered: two chapters later, Absalom preferred Hushai’s advice over Ahithophel’s, because the LORD had determined to defeat Ahithophel’s sound counsel and so bring ruin on Absalom (17:14). God rules even over the plans of His enemies; He brings the schemes of nations to nothing, and no counsel can stand against Him (Psalm 33:10; Proverbs 21:30).

  • 2 Samuel 15:31 (BSB)
    “Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!””
    Told that Ahithophel has joined Absalom, David prays that the LORD will make his counsel foolish.
  • 2 Samuel 17:14 (BSB)
    “Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.”
    The LORD later answered by purposing to thwart Ahithophel’s good advice.
  • Psalm 33:10 (BSB)
    “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.”
    The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations.
  • Proverbs 21:30 (BSB)
    “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”
    No wisdom or counsel can prevail against the LORD.

Theological

What petition did David offer on learning of Ahithophel’s defection (2 Samuel 15:31)?

Answer: That the LORD would make Ahithophel’s advice foolish

David prayed that the LORD would turn Ahithophel’s counsel into folly (15:31). The narrative later records the answer: the LORD had determined to defeat Ahithophel’s sound counsel and so bring calamity on Absalom (17:14). God’s sovereignty extends over the deliberations of His enemies without diminishing their responsibility; He brings to nothing the schemes of the peoples, and no counsel prevails against Him (Psalm 33:10; Proverbs 21:30).

  • 2 Samuel 15:31 (BSB)
    “Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!””
    Told that Ahithophel has joined Absalom, David prays that the LORD will make his counsel foolish.
  • 2 Samuel 17:14 (BSB)
    “Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.”
    The LORD later answered by purposing to thwart Ahithophel’s good advice.
  • Psalm 33:10 (BSB)
    “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples.”
    The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations.
  • Proverbs 21:30 (BSB)
    “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”
    No wisdom or counsel can prevail against the LORD.

General

According to David’s plan, how would news from Absalom’s court reach him (2 Samuel 15:35-36)?

Answer: Through the priests’ sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan

David sent Zadok and Abiathar back to Jerusalem with their sons, Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan, and said he would wait at the river crossings near the wilderness for word from them (15:27-29). Hushai was to report everything he heard in the palace to the two priests, who would send their sons to David (15:35-36). Hushai reached the city at the very moment Absalom was arriving (15:37). The plan worked: later Hushai passed Ahithophel’s counsel to the priests, and Jonathan and Ahimaaz, waiting outside the city, took the warning on to David (17:15-17, 21).

  • 2 Samuel 15:35-36 (BSB)
    “Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the king’s palace. Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear.””
    David tells Hushai to report to Zadok and Abiathar, whose sons will carry word to him.
  • 2 Samuel 15:27-28 (BSB)
    “The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan. See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.””
    David sends Zadok back with his son and Abiathar’s son and promises to wait at the fords.
  • 2 Samuel 17:15 (BSB)
    “So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised.”
    Later Hushai tells the priests both Ahithophel’s advice and his own.
  • 2 Samuel 17:17 (BSB)
    “Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city.”
    Jonathan and Ahimaaz then carry the news to King David.

Theological

What chain of communication did David set up with Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:35-36)?

Answer: Through the priests’ sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan

David returned Zadok and Abiathar to the city with their sons Ahimaaz and Jonathan and promised to wait at the river crossings near the wilderness for their word (15:27-29). Hushai would relay palace intelligence to the priests, who would dispatch their sons to David (15:35-36); Hushai reached the city at the moment Absalom was entering (15:37). The network later works as planned, carrying Hushai’s warning to David (17:15-17, 21).

  • 2 Samuel 15:35-36 (BSB)
    “Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the king’s palace. Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear.””
    David tells Hushai to report to Zadok and Abiathar, whose sons will carry word to him.
  • 2 Samuel 15:27-28 (BSB)
    “The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan. See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.””
    David sends Zadok back with his son and Abiathar’s son and promises to wait at the fords.
  • 2 Samuel 17:15 (BSB)
    “So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised.”
    Later Hushai tells the priests both Ahithophel’s advice and his own.
  • 2 Samuel 17:17 (BSB)
    “Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel, where a servant girl would come and pass along information to them. They in turn would go and inform King David, for they dared not be seen entering the city.”
    Jonathan and Ahimaaz then carry the news to King David.

General

How did David climb the Mount of Olives as he fled (2 Samuel 15:30)?

Answer: Weeping, with head covered and feet bare

The whole countryside wept aloud as David passed over the Kidron toward the wilderness (15:23). David climbed the Mount of Olives in tears, his head covered and his feet bare, signs of deep mourning and humiliation, and everyone who went with him did the same, heads covered and weeping (15:30). The king who had sinned was now driven out by his own son. Yet in the psalm tied to this flight, David still called the LORD his shield, who hears his cry and answers him (Psalm 3:3-4). Many Christians have also seen a picture of Christ in this rejected king, who later crossed the same Kidron Valley on the night He was betrayed (John 18:1).

  • 2 Samuel 15:23 (BSB)
    “Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness.”
    The whole countryside weeps as David crosses the Kidron Valley.
  • 2 Samuel 15:30 (BSB)
    “But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.”
    David climbs the Mount of Olives weeping, head covered and barefoot, and his people do the same.
  • Psalm 3:3-4 (BSB)
    “But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah”
    In the psalm tied to this flight, David still calls the LORD his shield and the One who answers him.
  • John 18:1 (BSB)
    “After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden.”
    On the night of His betrayal Jesus also crossed the Kidron Valley with His disciples.

Theological

What signs of mourning marked David’s ascent of the Mount of Olives (2 Samuel 15:30)?

Answer: Weeping, with head covered and feet bare

After crossing the Kidron amid the lament of the countryside (15:23), David ascended the Mount of Olives in tears, head covered and barefoot, and his followers did likewise (15:30): the dress of mourning and humiliation. Psalm 3, tied to this flight, shows him still confessing the LORD as his shield who hears and answers his cry (Psalm 3:3-4). Many Christians have also seen in the rejected king’s route a foreshadowing of Christ, who crossed the Kidron on the night of His betrayal (John 18:1).

  • 2 Samuel 15:23 (BSB)
    “Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness.”
    The whole countryside weeps as David crosses the Kidron Valley.
  • 2 Samuel 15:30 (BSB)
    “But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.”
    David climbs the Mount of Olives weeping, head covered and barefoot, and his people do the same.
  • Psalm 3:3-4 (BSB)
    “But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy mountain. Selah”
    In the psalm tied to this flight, David still calls the LORD his shield and the One who answers him.
  • John 18:1 (BSB)
    “After Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples across the Kidron Valley, where they entered a garden.”
    On the night of His betrayal Jesus also crossed the Kidron Valley with His disciples.