A Study of David, A Man After God’s Own Heart, Part 3

By Lawna Blankenship

We gathered, anxious to discuss how the saga of David and son Absalom and how the story plays out. Pam gave a short recap of the David's situation leading to Lesson 5: A Friend for the Day of Adversity. We listed the predominant characters and brief descriptions of their relationships to David and Saul's circles-of-influence. 

We know David's pain could not be any greater, given his precious son Absalom wanted to unseat him as King and kill him in the process. He was in a state of depression, which caused him to let down on his duties, as he wallowed in his shame. Liar Ziba, servant of Mephibosheth, Saul's grandson, in striving to score points, provided David 200 loaves of bread, raisins, fruits and wine strapped to donkeys for his household. Angry and disrespectful Shimei, who was projecting his anger with Saul on David, cursed and threw rocks at David, which he shrugged off, as it was the least of his worries. 

Thank goodness David dispatched Hashai as his spy, namely, to make foolish any advice from Absalom's advisor, Ahithophel (Bethsheba's grandfather), and David's previous advisor. Obviously, he wanted to be on the side of the winner. Now, to sleep with the king's wives is to make a claim to the throne and was considered treason. Pretty boy Absalom took Ahithophel's advice to go into David's concubines in the tent set up on the palace roof, in the sight of all Israel. Nathan's prophesy was again fulfilled because of David's sin. 

The next plan involved taking down David. We come to realize that Ahithophel presented the best plan, which would have he and 12,000 men pounce upon weakened and exhausted David while he slept. He would strike down David alone, sparing the killing of his household and followers. Meanwhile, our spy Hushai flattered Absalom, appealing to his huge ego, and suggested he hunt down David and his valiant followers and wipe them all out, giving him great glory. 

We know the Lord ordained that the good counsel of Ahithophel would be thwarted, and the worst scenario was agreed up by Absalom and his vanity, with the help of the elders of Israel. Word of the ruse made its way to David, and they skedaddled across the Jordan River to safety in Mahanaim. Here, the hungry, weary, and thirsty travelers where extended opulent, wonderful hospitality by Sobi, Machir, and Barzillai.

As soon as Ahithophel realized his counsel was not followed, he knew he was toast. Instead of being put to death as a traitor, he committed suicide by strangling himself, after he put his affairs in order.

David appointed his nephew Amasa to lead the army. Joab was out of town and could not be reached for comment. Maybe David recruited Amasa to keep his enemy close, while bringing some semblance of unity to this debacle. 

Now it was time for warrior David to muster his troops, and he split the thousands of men into thirds. He wanted to lead them, but he was overridden because he was worth 10,000 of them. As they marched out of the city, they all heard David charge the commanders to "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." Oh, please! This civil war fought in the forest of Ephraim resulted in the slaughter of 20,000 Israelites.  Our young Absalom forgot to get a haircut, and while riding his mule under thick branches of a great oak tree, he got caught up by his hair and was left dangling between heaven and earth. A soldier reported this to Joab, who called him out for not striking him down on the spot. He was between a rock and a hard place. If he killed the king's son, Joab the hypocrite would reward him ten pieces of silver and a belt. Yet, he would be guilty of going against the king's command, which would be curtains for him.  

Joab dismissed him, grabbed three spears and hurled them through Absalom's heart. Patty found that to be overkill, saying one spear would have sufficed. Ten armor bearers finished him off and buried him in a deep pit and erected a very great heap of stones to mark the grave. Joab blew the trumpet, and everyone returned to their tents. The obit said Absalom leaves a wife to grieve and three sons and a daughter to grow up without their handsome daddy. 

Absalom received his just desserts, as he broke the commandment to honor his father and mother; he was a disobedient and rebellious child, which should have had him stoned to death by the elders; and cursed for sleeping with his father's wife, and the list goes on. 

In chapter 19, we find David weeping and mourning for Absalom, meanwhile forgetting to thank all the people who saved his life and those of his household. Really, David? Joab pointed out his sentiment was bass-akward, by loving those who hate you, and by hating those who love you. In essence he told David to "Snap out of it" or we are all walking out on you. It worked like a slap in the face, and David rose up and sat at the gate where he belonged, where his subjects came to him for advice.

David had to ask the elders of Judah when they were going to bring the king back to Jerusalem. We are all brothers and must become a kingdom united. On his trek home, he was encountered by fickle Shemei, begging forgiveness for his transgressions, and spared him; then slovenly, lame son of Saul Mephibosheth, in mourning, asked to be restored to his status and ownership of land, and he was restored; and lastly, Barzillai who escorted David over the Jordan River was rewarded for his generous support with a pass for (K)Chimham. David showed tremendous mercy and generosity to these guys. And alas he arrived home at his palace in Jerusalem.

Throughout history, tribal jealousy and disagreement among the 12 tribes of Israel existed, and a worthless guy named Sheba of the tribe of Benjamin stirred the pot by withdrawing the men of Israel from following David to follow him. Meanwhile, the men of Judah stuck with David.

At this point David made a decision about his 10 concubines. To their total glee, they were placed under guard, provided with sustenance, and shut away to live as widows for the rest of their lives. Relieved, they planned spa days, girlfriend sleepovers, and luncheons galore. 

David had to take action against Sheba, who was a greater threat than Absalom's debacle, and sent Amasa, who stutter stepped the call to the men of Judah to show up before David. This gave Joab a 3-day lead to chase Sheba son of Bichri. When Amasa and Joab met up, you can guess what happened, Joab murdered his competition by greeting him as a brother, grabbed his beard to kiss him and thrust his sword into his belly. From here, Joab and Abishai his brother and everyone pursued Sheba. 

As they were ready to wreak havoc on Abel Beth-maacah, a wise woman from the city convinced them not to swallow up the inheritance of the Lord. They made a pact, and she lobbed the head of Sheba over the wall. 

Now, Joab was over the whole army of Israel, and leaders were appointed in the top positions. 

Pam emphasized that David's life is an example of what GRACE is. Like Paul... and like our own lives!!!