2 Samuel 17-18| Absalom’s Rebellion (Part 3) | Sermon 37
In 2 Samuel 16, King David faced challenges: Ziba falsely accused Mephibosheth of betrayal, Shimei cursed and threw stones at David, who restrained his men, and Absalom asserted his claim by sleeping with David's concubines. The rebellion of Absalom continues.
Competing Counsel (2 Samuel 17)
Ahithophel’s Counsel (17:1-4)
Ahithophel, having gained the king's attention, suggests leading an army of 12,000 to attack David while he is tired, aiming to capture him and force surrender. Surprise attacks were common in ancient warfare for swift victories.
Hushai’s Counter-Counsel (17:5-14)
Hushai, opposing Ahithophel, presents David as a strong warrior to Absalom, despite knowing David's current weakness. He suggests a massive force led by Absalom himself, appealing to his vanity and ambition. Absalom and Israel ultimately choose Hushai’s counsel over Ahithophel’s due to its persuasive nature.
Hushai’s Counter Intelligence Operation (17:15-22)
Hushai informs priests Zadok and Abiathar, who are loyal to David, about both counsels. They send word to David through Jonathan and Ahimaaz. After a close call with Absalom’s supporters, the messengers successfully warn David, allowing him to escape beyond the Jordan River.
The Fall of Ahithophel and David’s Provision in Mahanaim (17:23-29)
Realizing his counsel was ignored and predicting failure, Ahithophel returns home and hangs himself. Absalom appoints Amasa, David's relative, as his army commander, replacing Joab. Shobi, Machir, and Barzillai provide crucial support and supplies to David and his men, demonstrating loyalty and the importance of alliances.
The Battle in the Forest of Ephraim (2 Samuel 18)
David Prepares for Battle (2 Samuel 18:1-5)
David organizes his troops for the battle against Absalom, dividing them into three groups led by Joab, Abishai, and Ittai. Though David wants to lead, his men insist he stay in the city to provide support, valuing his life above theirs.
David commands his leaders to "deal gently with the young man Absalom," reflecting his paternal love despite Absalom's rebellion. He hopes to capture Absalom alive, highlighting the conflict between his kingly duties and fatherly emotions.
The Battle in the Forest of Ephraim (2 Samuel 18:6-8)
The battle in the Ephraim forest, east of the Jordan River, gave David's forces a strategic advantage. David's men were already positioned when Absalom's larger army arrived. The dense woods hindered Absalom's troops, giving David's men an edge.
20,000 of Absalom’s men fell. Verse 8 notes, "the wood devoured more people that day than the sword," meaning the forest's difficult terrain caused more casualties than the fighting. Soldiers likely got lost, trapped, or injured by natural obstacles. The forest's chaotic environment played a critical role in the high casualties.
Absalom’s Death (2 Samuel 18:9-18)
As the battle rages, Absalom's hair gets caught in the branches of a large oak tree, leaving him hanging helplessly while his mule runs off. One of Joab’s men reports this to Joab. Ignoring King David's command to be gentle with Absalom, Joab is frustrated and personally thrusts three darts into Absalom’s heart. Joab’s ten armor-bearers then finish him off.
Joab signals the end of the battle, and Absalom's body is thrown into a large pit in the forest, covered with a great pile of stones as a mark of disgrace. Despite having set up a monument for himself in the Valley of the Kings to preserve his legacy, Absalom's death contrasts sharply with his aspirations for lasting renown.
Ahimaaz’s Request and Joab’s Decision (2 Samuel 18:19-23)
After the battle, Ahimaaz, son of Zadok, eagerly asks Joab to deliver the victory news to King David. Known for his loyalty, Ahimaaz assumes it will be good news. However, Joab, aware of the complex situation due to Absalom's death, refuses. Instead, Joab sends a Cushite servant to inform David, believing he can deliver the news more objectively.
Ahimaaz persists and Joab eventually allows him to run too. Ahimaaz, being faster, takes a different route and arrives first at the city where David awaits news.
Ahimaaz’s Incomplete Report (2 Samuel 18:24-29)
David, anxious for news, is at the city gate. A watchman sees a runner, and David recognizes the significance. As a second runner appears, David anticipates important messages.
Ahimaaz arrives first, reporting the victory and the LORD's deliverance. When David asks about Absalom, Ahimaaz hesitates, mentioning "much tumult" but not Absalom’s fate, likely fearing the king’s reaction.
The Cushite’s Message and David’s Grief (2 Samuel 18:30-33)
The Cushite arrives next, conveying the battle's outcome and the LORD's vengeance on David's enemies. When David asks about Absalom, the Cushite confirms his death, framing it as a victory over David's foes.
David is overwhelmed with grief upon hearing of his son's death. He retreats and deeply laments, crying, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" This reveals David's profound love for Absalom despite the rebellion, highlighting the personal loss overshadowing the political victory.
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