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2 Samuel 15

37 verses

TL;DR

Absalom incites rebellion against King David, leading to a dramatic flight of the king and his retinue from Jerusalem, while David seeks counsel from loyal advisors to counter Absalom's plans.

Summary

Absalom gathers supporters, offers himself as judge, and draws Israel’s loyalty. He sends spies and rallies 200 men to Jerusalem, even recruiting the king’s former counselor Ahithophel. The king learns of the threat and hastens to flee Jerusalem with his household, leaving servants behind and gathering loyalists such as Ittai the Gittite, Zadok, and Abiathar. They cross the Kidron, and the Ark of the Covenant is brought into Jerusalem under Zadok and Abiathar’s care. While in exile, David pleads with God to thwart Ahithophel’s counsel and receives aid from the loyal spy Hushai, who infiltrates Absalom’s camp to report back.

Outline
  1. Absalom’s rebellion and gathering of supporters
  2. David’s flight and the safeguarding of the Ark
  3. Divine intervention and loyal spies’ roles
Themes
Rebellion versus obedienceLoyalty to the king and to GodDivine judgment and intervention
Keywords
rebelcounselloyaltyArkexileconspiracy
People
AbsalomDavidAhithophelIttai the GittiteZadokAbiatharAhimaazJonathanHushai
Places
JerusalemHebronGeshurGathBrook KidronMount OlivetCity of JerusalemWilderness
Things
Chariots and horsesArk of the CovenantTrumpetSpiesCrown of leadership
Key Verses
  • 2 Samuel 15:13: Marks the moment when the king realizes the breadth of Absalom’s support, prompting the flight.
  • 2 Samuel 15:25: Shows David’s trust in divine guidance by commanding the Ark to return to Jerusalem.
Questions
  • What motivates Absalom to declare himself judge over Israel?
  • How does David’s reliance on the Ark reflect his faith?
  • In what ways do Ahithophel’s and Hushai’s actions illustrate the dynamics of loyalty and betrayal?
  • What can we learn about leadership from David’s decision to flee rather than confront immediately?
  • How does the narrative portray the tension between human authority and divine will?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter mixes conflict, fear, and hope, showing both human unrest and reliance on divine intervention.