Absalom vs. David

13A messenger came and told David, “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.”

14Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, “Come! We must flee,rnone of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.”

15The king’s officials answered him, “Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king chooses.”

16The king set out, with his entire household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace. 17So the king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at the edge of the city. 18All his men marched past him, along with all the Kerethites and Pelethites; and all the six hundred Gittites who had accompanied him from Gath marched before the king...

23The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the wilderness.

24Zadok was there, too, and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city.

25Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. 26But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.” (2 Samuel 15)

Thoughts: David was betrayed by his son.  This same son killed his half brother.  David was lenient and his leniency was awarded with conspiracy and rebellion.  So David who conquered Jerusalem and brought the ark there, had to leave his own capital.  Absolom was young and handsome and won the hearts of the people fashionably.  Absolom would be like a politician today who would care only for what the polls say not for doing the right thing.  David knew he was a sinner, but he also knew to try to do the right thing.  In the end. God shows us that even being a sinner who tries to please God is better than one who simply tries to get power by pleasing the people.  

Prayer: Lord, let me choose you.  Forgive my rebellious ways.  Help me to desire to always do your will.