Absalom has been sneaky. For four years, he drove a chariot behind fifty guards to the city gate early in the morning. As people came to present their problems to David, Absalom intercepted them. He claimed David didn't care enough to assign them a judge. He's managed to win the hearts of a significant number of people throughout the nation (2 Samuel 15:1–6). Somehow, he's also earned the loyalty of David's advisor Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:12), he whose counsel "was as if one consulted the word of God" to the people (2 Samuel 16:23).

Absalom's plan was strategic and successful. The fact that he kept his work from David proves his skill. But it's not subtle. David shows that a full-on attack isn't always best. He's recruited his friend Hushai to infiltrate Absalom's group of advisors. He's the one man who's clever enough to mitigate whatever damage Ahithophel will plan (2 Samuel 15:32–37).

First, however, Hushai must win Absalom's trust. When Absalom questions him, Hushai repeats David's words, "And again, whom should I serve? Should it not be his son? As I have served your father, so I will serve you" (2 Samuel 16:19).

Ahithophel's guidance shapes Absalom's first major act. He tells Absalom to sleep with David's concubines, to show his followers that he has taken the kingdom from David (2 Samuel 16:20–22). But when Ahithophel presents his scheme to destroy David quickly, Hushai alters the plan just enough to allow David and his people to get to safety (2 Samuel 17).

Second Samuel 16:15–19 describes Absalom entering Jerusalem and gaining an advisor. He's been marching from Hebron with a growing number of supporters. David and his people have already fled. When Absalom arrives, David's friend Hushai offers to join Absalom's council. Absalom is wary, but Hushai promises loyalty. Absalom doesn't realize that Hushai is David's spy. With the help of the priests, their sons, and two brave women, Hushai will counter Ahithophel's advice and foil Absalom's attack on David's people (2 Samuel 17:1–22).

David flees and Absalom takes Jerusalem. Absalom arrives with his supporters while David and his servants race to the Jordan River (2 Samuel 15). Mephibosheth's servant Ziba brings David donkeys, provisions, and news that Mephibosheth has also betrayed David. Shimei, Saul's relative, throws stones and curses at David and his people. David's former counselor Ahithophel convinces Absalom to have sex with David's concubines. But David's friend Hushai has infiltrated Absalom's council and will prove to be an exceptionally good spy (2 Samuel 17:1–22).

In 2 Samuel 16, leadership in Jerusalem changes hands. Because of David's sin (2 Samuel 11), God predicts death and controversy in David's life. That starts with assault and murder within David's own family (2 Samuel 12—14). The murderer, David's son Absalom, took four years to gain the people's trust and declare himself king (2 Samuel 15:1–11). He won over David's counselor, but David has his servants, warriors, two priests, and an old friend: the last three stay as spies (2 Samuel 15:13–37). As Absalom takes the throne, David meets two Benjamites: one helpful and one horrible. Soon, Absalom will plan an attack, but the priests and David's friend send word and save David's people (2 Samuel 17:1–22).

Second Samuel continues the story of David, who will become king over Judah. The other tribes of Israel are resistant, eventually sparking a civil war. David wins and makes Jerusalem his capital. Early success is followed by moral failure and controversy in David's house. The book of 1 Kings will begin by detailing David's decline and death.

Accessed 3/10/2026 2:22:27 PM

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