Workers For Jesus Online Bible Study Table of Contents

About this Bible Study........The King James Version of the Bible is written in a beautiful form of the English language. It can be hard for modern English readers to understand.  In this study, you will find notes and summaries in brown just above the the verses from the Bible. We recommend that you read the notes and summaries first, and then read the verses in their KJV form. 


The Book of 2 Samuel

Originally, the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were one book. 1 Samuel was mostly about Israel's first king, Saul. 2 Samuel is mostly about King David and his family. The dates of the events that happened in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were about 1000 B.C.


Bible Timeline
 
Here is a good timeline to see the book of 2 Samuel in the history of the Bible
http://www.sundayschoolresources.com/timeline.htm


 


2 Samuel 14 - 16
David lets Absalom come home to Jerusalem.
Absalom turns many Israelites against David.
David leaves Jerusalem to escape Absalom.
Absalom takes over Jerusalem.

 

 


2 Samuel 14

 

"The Wise Woman of Tekoah" by Caspar Luiken (1672-1708) from Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University

Joab invents a plan to show David that Absalom should come home to Jerusalem.


Joab was the leader of David's army. Joab's father's name was Zeruiah.
Joab knew that David was still worried about Absalom (Absalom ran away after he killed his brother, Amnon).
[1] Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.


Joab sent a message to the place called Tekoah. He asked a very smart woman to come.  He asked the woman to pretend she was mourning (sad for someone who died).  He asked her to wear mourning clothes. He asked her to wear no special oil. Joab wanted the woman to look like she mourned for a long time.
[2] And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:
 

Joab asked the woman to come and talk to David. Joab told the woman what to say.
[3] And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.


The woman from Tekoah went to see David. She put her face on the ground to show that she respected David. She asked David to help her.
[4] And when the woman of Tekoah spake to the king, she fell on her face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O king.


David asked her what was wrong.  She said that she was a widow--her husband was dead. She said she had 2 sons. The 2 sons were fighting out in a field. There was no one there to stop the fight. One son killed the other son.
[5] And the king said unto her, What aileth thee? And she answered, I am indeed a widow woman, and mine husband is dead.
[6] And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.
 

The woman's story is not true. She is telling the story to make David think about Absalom and Amnon.

She said her whole family was mad at her. They wanted her to give them the son who was living. They wanted to punish him for killing his brother. They wanted to kill him because he killed his brother. The woman did not want to do that. She had only 2 sons. One son is dead. If they kill the other son, then there is no one to continue the family name. Her husband's name will be gone.
[7] And, behold, the whole family is risen against thine handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the life of his brother whom he slew; and we will destroy the heir also: and so they shall quench my coal which is left, and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remainder upon the earth.


David told the woman to go home. He said he will make a rule about her problem.
[8] And the king said unto the woman, Go to thine house, and I will give charge concerning thee.


The woman said she would take the blame if anyone gets mad at the new rule. She said no one should blame David.  David said if anyone complains to her, she should bring the person to him.
[9] And the woman of Tekoah said unto the king, My lord, O king, the iniquity be on me, and on my father's house: and the king and his throne be guiltless.
[10] And the king said, Whosoever saith ought unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall not touch thee any more.
 

The woman asked David to promise in God's name. She wanted him to promise that no one will kill her son. He said he promised that not even one hair will fall off of her son.
[11] Then said she, I pray thee, let the king remember the LORD thy God, that thou wouldest not suffer the revengers of blood to destroy any more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, As the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of thy son fall to the earth.

 

The woman now shows David that her invented story is the same as his situation with Absalom.

Then the woman asked if she could say something more to David. He told her to go ahead and say what she wanted.
[12] Then the woman said, Let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak one word unto my lord the king. And he said, Say on.


The woman asked David about his situation with Absalom. She asked David why he thinks the Israelites are like her family. She said her family wants to kill her son. David won't let Absalom come home to Israel.
[13] And the woman said, Wherefore then hast thou thought such a thing against the people of God? for the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, in that the king doth not fetch home again his banished.


She said that everyone must die. She compares life to spilled water. After water is spilled on the ground, you can't pick it up. After people die, other people can't make them live again. But God saves lives. When people do bad things and run away from God, He brings them back.
[14] For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.

The woman said she came to talk to David because she was afraid. She was worried what would happen if David and Absalom had a war. She wanted to ask David to save all of the people in Israel. If there was a war, she might lose her family and their land in Israel.
[15] Now therefore that I am come to speak of this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the people have made me afraid: and thy handmaid said, I will now speak unto the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaid.
[16] For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaid out of the hand of the man that would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.

The woman said she is not worried now. David told her the situation will be solved. She said David is like an angel of God. David knows the difference between good and bad. God will help David.
[17] Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.


David said he wanted to ask the woman a question. He asked her to tell the truth. David wanted to know if Joab asked her to come there. The woman said yes. It was Joab's plan for her to come see David. Joab invented the false story about the woman's son. Joab wanted David to make the right rule and bring Absalom home. The woman said that David is smart and wise like one of God's angels. No one can hide the truth from David.
[18] Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the woman said, Let my lord the king now speak.
[19] And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:
[20] To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.


David told Joab that he decided to let Absalom come home.  He told Joab to go bring Absalom home to Jerusalem.  Joab bent down and put his face on the ground. He thanked David for making the rule that Absalom can come home. That was what Joab wanted him to do. Joab felt that David respected him.
[21] And the king said unto Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young man Absalom again.
[22] And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.


Joab travelled to the place named Geshur. He brought Absalom back to Jerusalem.
[23] So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.


David did not want to see Absalom. David wanted Absalom to live in his own house.
[24] And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king's face.


 


 

David sees Absalom again.


Absalom was very handsome and looked nice. He was more handsome than anyone else in Israel. From his head to his toes, he was perfect.
[25] But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.


Absalom had thick hair. It was long and heavy. He had to cut it at the end of each year because it got too heavy. After they cut his hair, they weighed it. It weighed 200 shekels (about 5 pounds).
[26] And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year's end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king's weight.


Absalom had 3 sons and 1 daughter. His daughter's name was Tamar (the same name as his sister). She was very beautiful.
[27] And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.


Absalom was back in Jerusalem for 2 years, but he still had not seen David.
[28] So Absalom dwelt two full years in Jerusalem, and saw not the king's face.


Absalom wanted Joab to come and see him. He wanted Joab to help him see David. But Joab did not come.  Absalom asked again, but Joab did not come see him.
[29] Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have sent him to the king; but he would not come to him: and when he sent again the second time, he would not come.


Absalom talked to his workers. He told them that Joab's farm was near his farm. Joab had barley growing in his field. Absalom told his workers to set Joab's field on fire.  Absalom's workers did that.
[30] Therefore he said unto his servants, See, Joab's field is near mine, and he hath barley there; go and set it on fire. And Absalom's servants set the field on fire.
 

Joab came to see Absalom. He asked him why his workers set his field on fire.
[31] Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom unto his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy servants set my field on fire?


Absalom told Joab that he wanted him to come see him. He wanted Joab to talk to David for him. He wanted to know why David brought him back from the place called Geshur. Absalom said it would have better for him to stay in Geshur. He wants to see David. If he is guilty, then David should kill him.
[32] And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent unto thee, saying, Come hither, that I may send thee to the king, to say, Wherefore am I come from Geshur? it had been good for me to have been there still: now therefore let me see the king's face; and if there be any iniquity in me, let him kill me.


Joab talked to David. Then David asked Absalom to come see him.  When Absalom went to see David, he bent down low and put his face on the ground to show respect. Then David kissed Absalom.
[33] So Joab came to the king, and told him: and when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king, and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king: and the king kissed Absalom.
 




2 Samuel 15



Absalom starts his own army, and many Israelites support him.



Some time later, Absalom started making an army. He got chariots and horses.  He got 50 soldiers to run in front of him.
[1] And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.


Absalom got up early in the mornings. He stood by the gate into Jerusalem. When someone came to see David for judgment (like court, to solve problems), Absalom talked to them. He asked them where they were from.  Some people were Israelites from a different part of Israel.
[2] And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.


Absalom would talk to them more.  He would tell them that they had a good reason to come there. But Absalom lied and said there was no one there who could help them.
[3] And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee.



Then Absalom said that if he were the judge, everyone would be able to see him. He said he would treat everyone fairly.
[4] Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!


When anyone came to Absalom and bowed down to him, Absalom put out his hand. He hugged him and kissed him.
[5] And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him.


Absalom behaved this way whenever anyone came to see David with a problem.  Then the people started to like Absalom more than they liked David.
[6] And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

 

People who study the Bible are not clear about this time. The Bible says, ".. it came to pass after forty years".  It is not clear if it was 40 years after the first king (Saul) was over Israel. Or it may be 40 years after David became the king. Some people feel it was 4 years after Absalom came home from Geshur.

Later, after 40 years, Absalom told David that he wanted to go to the place called Hebron.  He said when he was in Geshur, he made a promise to God. He promised that if God helped him go home to Jerusalem, he would go to Hebron and worship.  He asked David if he could leave and go to Hebron.
[7] And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.
[8] For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.



David told him yes. He said Absalom could go to Hebron. He told him to go in peace.
[9] And the king said unto him, Go in peace. So he arose, and went to Hebron.


Absalom sent spies through all of Israel.  He told them to listen for trumpets. When they hear trumpets, they will know that Absalom is in Hebron.
[10] But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.


200 men went with Absalom to Hebron. The men did not know Absalom's plan. They thought he was going to Hebron to make an offering.
[11] And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.


When Absalom was in Hebron, he asked Ahithophel to come. Ahithophel was from the place called Giloh.  Ahithophel was a counselor who gave advice to David. Absalom made sacrifices in Hebron. More people were starting to support Absalom.
[12] And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counseller, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

 




David learns of Absalom's plans, and he leaves Jerusalem.


A messenger came to David. He told David that many Israelite men were following and supporting Absalom.
[13] And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.


David told his workers to hurry and get ready to leave. They would all leave Jerusalem. David said that if Absalom got them in Jerusalem, he would treat them badly. Absalom would also kill everyone in the city.
[14] And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.


The king's workers said they were ready to do what David told them to do.
[15] And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.


David, his family, and his workers left Jerusalem. But 10 of David's concubines stayed in Jerusalem. They stayed to take care of the house. (
A concubine is not a wife. A concubine is like a mistress).
[16] And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.
 

The 600 Gittites were men who came with David from the place named Gath. Gath was a Philistine city. Gath was Goliath's home.

David and his group left and arrived at a place away from Jerusalem. His workers walked on the sides of David.  David's bodyguards (from the groups of people: the Cherethites, Pelethites, and Gittites) were on his side, too.  600 men who were Gittites walked in front.
[17] And the king went forth, and all the people after him, and tarried in a place that was far off.
[18] And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.


David talked to the Gittite man named Ittai.  David asked Ittai why he and his men were going with them. David told him they could go back to Jerusalem. The Gittites had not been with David very long. David said they were not obligated to go with him. David said he didn't even know where he was going.
[19] Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile.
[20] Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee.


Ittai answered. He said that God lives and David the king lives.  It didn't matter where David was going. If David was alive or dead, Ittai and his men would help David.
[21] And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.


David told Ittai to go ahead. So Ittai, his men, and their families continued on with David.
[22] And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, and all the little ones that were with him.
 

David and the people with him crossed over the brook (creek) called Kidron.  When the other Israelites saw David leaving, they cried very loudly.
[23] And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the king also himself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.


The priest named Zadok and other Levites were carrying the Ark of the Covenant.  They set the Ark down until all of the people came out of Jerusalem. The priest named Abiathar went up on a mountain so he could see the people leaving the city.
[24] And lo Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.


David told Zadok to take the Ark back into Jerusalem. If God is happy with David, God will help him go home to Jerusalem again. But if God is not happy with David, God will choose what to do with David.
[25] And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:
[26] But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.


David said that Zadok was a prophet. David wanted Zadok, Abiathar, and their 2 sons, Ahimaaz and Johnathan to go back to Jerusalem. They can let David know what's going on in the city.
[27] The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
[28] See, I will tarry in the plain of the wilderness, until there come word from you to certify me.


Zadok and Abiathar took the Ark and went back to Jerusalem.
[29] Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they tarried there.

 

David went up on the mountain called Mt. Olivet (another name for the mount of Olives). He was crying and covered his head. He did not wear shoes. All of the people with him covered their heads, too. They were all crying.
[30] And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.


Someone had told David that Ahithophel was helping Absalom (Ahithophel was a counselor who gave advice to David. ). David prayed to God. David asked God to make Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice.
[31] And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.


David was worshiping God on top of the mountain. A man named Hushai came to see him. Husahi was an Archite from the place named Archi. Hushai's coat was ripped, and he had dirt on his head. 
[32] And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head:
 

David talked to Hushai. He said if Hushai goes with him, he will be a burden to David. But if Hushai goes back to Jerusalem, he could help David. He should go back to Jerusalem. He should tell Absalom that he will help him. He should say that he was David's helper in the past, but now he will be Absalom's helper. That way, Hushai can help David know the advice of Ahithophel. If David knows what Ahithophel tells Absalom to do, he can make his plans better. He can defeat Absalom.
[33] Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me:
[34] But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father's servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel.


David reminded Hushai that the priests, Zadok and Abiathar, will be in Jerusalem, too. When Hushai hears Absalom's plans, he should tell the priests.
[35] And hast thou not there with thee Zadok and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the king's house, thou shalt tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.


After he tells the priests, the priests can send their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, to see David. They can tell David about Absalom's plans.
[36] Behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Zadok's son, and Jonathan Abiathar's son; and by them ye shall send unto me every thing that ye can hear.


Hushai was David's friend, and he went back to Jerusalem. Absalom also arrived in Jerusalem.
[37] So Hushai David's friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.
 




2 Samuel 16


David sees Mephibosheth's servant, Ziba.

 

Back in 2 Samuel 9, Saul's disabled grandson, Mephibosheth, went to live with David. Ziba was one of Saul's workers.  David put Ziba in charge of all of Mephibosheth's land and farms.

When David was a little past the top of the hill, Ziba met him. Ziba had some donkeys with saddles on them. He also had some food--200 loaves of bread, a hundred bunches of raisins, 100 pieces of fruit, and a bottle of wine.
[1] And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met him, with a couple of asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of bread, and an hundred bunches of raisins, and an hundred of summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.


David asked Ziba why he brought all the food and donkeys. Ziba said the donkeys were for King David and his group to ride.  The bread and fruit were for David's young male workers.  The wine was for them to drink if they were in an area with no water.
[2] And the king said unto Ziba, What meanest thou by these? And Ziba said, The asses be for the king's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat; and the wine, that such as be faint in the wilderness may drink.


David asked where Mephibosheth was. Ziba said he stayed in Jerusalem. Ziba said that Mephibosheth thinks that now he will be king of Israel (because his grandfather, Saul, was Israel's first king).
[3] And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father.


David said that now Ziba could have everything Mephibosheth owned.  Ziba said he hoped David would be happy with him.
[4] Then said the king to Ziba, Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And Ziba said, I humbly beseech thee that I may find grace in thy sight, my lord, O king.

 



Saul's relative, Shimei, throws rocks at David and curses him.
 

Shimei was from the tribe of Benjamin. Saul was also from the tribe of Benjamin. Shimei was still angry at David because David replaced Saul as the king. David was not from the tribe of Benjamin. He was from the tribe of Judah.


David and his group arrived at the place named Bahurim. One of Saul's family members came out. His name was Shimei. Shimei's father's name was Gera.  Shimei yelled and said bad things to David.
[5] And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.



Shimei threw rocks at David, his workers, and his soldiers on the right side and on the left side.

[6] And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.

 

Shimei yelled and threw rocks and dirt at David.
From www.wels.net

Shimei was yelling at David.  Shimei was glad that David was out of Jerusalem. He called David "man of Belial"-- an evil man. He said that God was paying him back for what happened to Saul and his family. He said that God was giving David's kingdom to Absalom because he was a bad and violent man.
[7] And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
[8] The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.


David's nephew, Abishai, called Shimei a dead dog.  He asked David why he let him say these things to him. Abishai wanted to cut off Shimei's head.
[9] Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.



David said he didn't know what to do with Abishai and his brother Joab (their father's name was Zeruiah).  David said to leave Shimei alone. David said that God told Shimei to say bad things to him. If God told Shimei to say these things, then no one else should ask him why he was doing it.

[10] And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?


David said that his own son is trying to kill him. He said that Shimei, who was from a different tribe, wants to kill him even more than Absalom does. David told his soldiers to leave Shimei alone. David said that God told Shimei to talk badly to him.
[11] And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.


David said that maybe God will see him having trouble with Shimei and feel sorry for him.
[12] It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.


David and his soldiers continued walking. Shimei followed them over the hill. He continued to yell at David and say bad things. He threw rocks and dirt at him.
[13] And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.


David and his group were tired. Then they rested.
[14] And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.

 



David's spy, Hushai, meets Absalom in Jerusalem.


Absalom and his men arrived in Jerusalem. Ahithophel was with him (Ahithophel was a counselor who gave David advice in the past).

[15] And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.


Hushai came and talked to Absalom (Hushai was the spy that David sent to Jerusalem).  Hushai said to Absalom, "God save the king."   
[16] And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

Absalom talked to Hushai. He said that Hushai was David's friend. Now he is supporting Absalom. Absalom doesn't think Hushai is acting like David's friend now. He wants to know why Hushai did not go with David.
[17] And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?


Hushai said that he supports the king that God and the Israelites choose. Hushai said he served David, and now he will serve David's son.
[18] And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.
[19] And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.

 


 

After David sinned with Bathsheba and killed Bathsheba's husband, God said that bad things would happen to David and his family. Now, the bad things are happening.

2 Samuel 11-12

God told David about the bad things that will happen to him now.  God said that someone in David's family will fight against him. God will give David's wives to another man. The man will have sexual relations with David's wives, and everyone in Israel will know about it.
[11] Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
[12] For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.

Ahithophel tells Absalom what to do to show that he does not respect his father.


Absalom talked to Ahithophel. He asked Ahithophel to tell him what he should do.

[20] Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.


Some of David's concubines (mistresses) stayed in Jerusalem.   Ahithophel told Absalom that he should have sexual relations with the concubines. Everyone in Israel will hear about that. That would show that Absalom does not respect his father, David. That will make Absalom's soldiers support him more.
[21] And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.
 

They put a tent on top of David's house so that everyone could see. Then Absalom went into the tent and had sexual relations with David's concubines.
[22] So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.
 

Both David and Absalom thought highly of Ahithophel. They thought Ahithophel's advice came from God.
[23] And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.
 

 

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