Hushai, with skill put himself in a position with Absalom where he could serve David well. His words to Absalom about the man whom God had chosen should have spoken to him - as God's purposes would not be thwarted (2 Samuel 16:18 ).

"In ancient times appropriation of the royal harem demonstrated possession of the throne (Cf 3:7). The deed would also remove any possibility of reconciliation between Absalom and David." Ryrie

By his counsel, Ahithophel made sure Absalom did not have any opportunity to turn back, and at the same time sought to establish himself in a stronger position (2 Samuel 16:20-23 ). It is gravely serious to close the door to reconciliation.

The advice of Ahithophel is so successfully countermanded by Hushai, that David is protected and Absalom is led into a position that leads to his death, and brought about Ahithophe's suicide.

2 Samuel 17:14 "... For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom."

Ahithophel was right - but God was against it in order to deliver David. God can give the victory even when the plotters know the right way to win.

Ahithophel's suicide was probably caused through the advice of Hushai being preferred before his. He could not bear to be without the high esteem in which he had been held, nor could he stand the lost position (2 Samuel 16:23 ). Absalom passing by his advice was the last straw, and possibly he felt his advice not acted on would mean David would be the victor. "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom" (Jeremiah 9:23-24 KJV). The greatest attainment is relationship with God.

The kindness of David's friends appear in these verses in contrast to the malice of David's foes (2 Samuel 17:27-29 ). God puts it in the hearts of willing ones to comfort His people. David acted with diligence and wisdom - he marshalled the swelling numbers that rallied to his banner against insurrection (2 Samuel 18:1 ). With affection David was not permitted to go to battle - the people believed him more valuable in the city (2 Samuel 18:3 ).

"God's providence wisely ordered it, that David should not be in the field of battle, for then his tenderness had certainly interposed to save Absalom's life, whom God had determined to destroy." Matthew Henry

David commanded Joab to be gentle with Absalom (2 Samuel 18:5 ).

"The battle took place in the treacherous forest of Ephraim, North of the Jabok river in transjordan." Ryrie (2 Samuel 18:6 ).

Pursuit through the forest caused more deaths than the battle (2 Samuel 18:8 ). Absalom's end vividly described - hanged in a tree, abandoned - then slain by Joab - and his body treated with contempt (2 Samuel 18:9,14-15,17 ).

Luke 14:11 "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, ..."

Though Ahimaaz sought to lighten the announcement of Absalom's death (2 Samuel 18:19-32 ), the Cushite directly told the news. Sorrow that seemed uncontrollable swept David's heart. How much was remorse for past sin - Nathan, the prophet had said because David had killed Uraih, his own sons would rebel against him. This knowledge wrung from him the "if only I had died in your place!" (2 Samuel 18:33 NKJV). Godly sorrow flows out of godly hearts even over wild and godless sons.

Terrible sorrow must not be allowed to diminish acknowledgement of the devoted service of others (2 Samuel 19:1-4 ). Joab valiantly confronted David and warned that his wallowing in grief, ignoring the needs of his people, could lead to disaster for the kingdom (2 Samuel 19:5-7 ).

"The people will take particular notice of what their princes say and do. The more eyes we have upon us, and the greater our influence is, the more we have to speak and act wisely, and to govern our passions strictly." Matthew Henry

The king was aroused out of his grief (2 Samuel 19:8 ), took his seat in the place of authority, to act in reuniting the kingdom. He appeals to the reticent elders of Judah to bring back the king. (2 Samuel 19:9-12 ). He restores Amasa who had led Absalom's army, making him commander in place of Joab - probably to discipline Joab for killing Absalom. It was an action planned to restore and unite (2 Samuel 19:13 ). He was successful (2 Samuel 19:14 ). The kingdom once again was being renewed at Gilgal (1 Samuel 11:14 ). Shimei comes to welcome the king - he who had reviled David on his outward journey (2 Samuel 19:18 ). God makes even enemies to be at peace with the man who puts the Lord first. David compassionately spares Shimei.

Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."

Mephibosheth's loyalty is seen and he is vindicated (2 Samuel 19:21-30 ). How beautifully he stood up to the test (2 Samuel 19:30 ), "Let him (Ziba) take all" - claiming David's company was of more value. How this showed up the unworthy servant! We should love the Lord more than things. Barzillai is offered reward and gladly passes it on to one of the younger men (2 Samuel 19:31-39 ).

Matthew Henry quaintly comments, "they that are old must not begrudge young people those delights which they themselves are past the enjoyment of."

A bitter quarrel broke out among the tribes - Sheba of Benjamin took full advantage and led rebellion (2 Samuel 19:40 to 20:2 ). Maintaining unity is essential to kingdom advancement. Jealousy caused Joab to slay Amasa, proving how destructive a force it is (2 Samuel 20:9-10 ). Jealousy must be treated as a traitor to the king because it is bent on destroying the reign of the king. The command of the army passed again to Joab who pursued Sheba who was ultimately slain (2 Samuel 20:13-26 ). Jealousies and rebellion reap terrible harvests.

---

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What advice did Absalom follow that removed possibility of reconciliation? (2 Samuel 16;20-23 ).
2. Why did Hushai's advice find favour over that of Ahithophel? (2 Samuel 17:1-14 ).
3. Is it dangerous to desire above all else the high esteem of others? (2 Samuel 17:23 ).
4. Who puts it into the hearts of people to minister to our needs? (2 Samuel 17:27-29 ).
5. In what did David the king submit to the will of the people? (2 Samuel 18:3 ). Are there times when leaders need to respond positively to the peoples' will?
6. Was David right to wish no harm to Absalom? (2 Samuel 18:5 ).
7. Was Joab's slaying of Absalom a political necessity, of disregard for the wishes of the king? (2 Samuel 18:9,14-15,17 ).What body life incident do you recall that this incident would parallel?
8. Can you relate to David's godly sorrow over his rebellious son? (2 Samuel 18:33 ).
9. What shook David out of his personal grief? (2 Samuel 19:5-8 ).
10. What political action removed the reticence of the elders of Judah to bring back the king. (2 Samuel 19:9-14 ). What are you doing to bring back the Greater David to His rightful Lordship in your life and church?
11. Should David's treatment of Shimei guide us in the treatment of those who have reviled us? (2 Samuel 19:18-23; Matthew 5:7 ).
12. Would you, like Mephibosheth, be willing to let another take all, rather than be out of fellowship with the Lord? (2 Samuel 19:21-30 ).
13. Do old saints like Barzillai gladly promote the advancement of someone younger? (2 Samuel 19:31-39 ).
14. Do you suspect that there is usually a Sheba waiting to take advantage of quarrelling among God's people? (2 Samuel 19:40 to 20:2 ).
15. Is the murder of Amasa by Joab a terrible warning about feeding jealousy? (2 Samuel 20:9-10 ).