Success - Face Crises with Courage - 2 Samuel 15, 17 and 19 - August 29,2010

Bible Study – Success – Face Crises with Courage – August 29, 2010

This is our final lesson in our series “The Essentials of Success.”
Our scripture is 2 Samuel 15:12b-14, 24-26, 27-29, 30-37; 17:1-16; 18: 9-17, 33; 19:1-8a.

What is success? I am recovering from a hip replacement. I can put on one sock but the other sock has been impossible for me to put on until this morning. I got my leg up enough and for the first time in about 6 weeks, I put on my sock. When I did, I uttered the words “Success!” It was a moment of achievement. It was a simple thing but to me it was important.

A part of living includes the good times and the not so good times. We learn from both the successes and the not-so-successes of life. We have studied the life of David from a young boy watching his father’s sheep to his battle with his son, Absalom. Life is always clearly in focus when we look in the rearview mirror. But we have to look forward and learn from life. Some of us are more stubborn than others.

Last week, we studied about David’s adulterous affair which led to murder. Once David confessed that he had sinned, the Prophet Nathan told him that GOD had forgiven him but he would suffer consequences for his sins.

It wasn’t long before David began seeing the consequences of his sins:

Ammon, David’s son, raped his half sister, Tamar. As a result Absalom killed Ammon and fled to Syria. After three (3) years in Syria, Joab brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. Tension remained between David and Absalom. Absalom began to lay plans to topple his father as king. Absalom was a very handsome and winsome personality. His political base increased and he traveled to Hebron where he proclaimed himself as king of Israel. He began to lay plans to build an army and attack his dad. This brings us to our scripture.

Let’s read 2 Samuel 15:12b-14, 24-26:

So the conspiracy grew strong, and the people supporting Absalom continued to increase. 13 Then an informer came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” 14 David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Get up. We have to flee, or we will not escape from Absalom![7]Leave quickly, or he will overtake us, heap disaster on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”

David knew it was time for him and his supporters to flee. Some of his loyal supporters, including 600 soldiers, prepared to go with him.

24 Zadok (ZAY dahk) was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set the ark of God down, and Abiathar (uh BIGH uh thahr) offered [sacrifices]* [10] until the people had finished marching past. 25 Then the king instructed Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the LORD’s eyes, He will bring me back and allow me to see both it and its dwelling place. 26 However, if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am—He can do with me whatever pleases Him.”[11]


Zadok (ZAY dahk) was high priest during David’s reign. Later Zadok supported and also served as a priest during Solomon’s reign. All the Levites also went with David. They carried the Ark of the Covenant, which was to show that GOD was with David. As the entourage was leaving Jerusalem they offered sacrifices until all the people had passed.


David had second thoughts about taking the Ark with them and instructed Zadok to return the Ark to Jerusalem. Why? We read that he was trusting GOD for his life and his future as King of Israel. David may have recalled the time when Israel brought the Ark to battle the Philistines years earlier and the Philistines captured the Ark. He had the Ark brought back to Jerusalem after years of it being kept elsewhere. David chose to place his faith in GOD and he would not, in essence, capture GOD and take HIM with him. David wanted GOD’S will to be done in a very potentially bad situation. David trusted GOD with the results whether good or bad.


Christians often find themselves in similar situations. They may be battling financial situations, jobs, children being rebellious, children or other family members or friends addicted to alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, porn, lying, cheating, stealing and the list goes on and on. These are battles and strongholds which only the power of GOD can break and conquer through the shed blood of CHRIST. Christians who attempt to help them must be in relationship with CHRIST, so they can be lead by the HOLY SPIRIT to wisely assist those who need help. Only HIS power and presence in those who attempt to help and those who receive that help can free them from this bondage. Just as in David’s situation, the end result may be very difficult to handle, which we will see at the end of our lesson.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 15:27-29:


27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Look,[12] return to the city in peace and your two sons with you: your son Ahimaaz (uh HIM uh az) and Abiathar’s (uh BIGH uh thahr) son Jonathan. 28 Remember, I’ll wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 So Zadok and Abiathar returned the ark of God to Jerusalem and stayed there.


David had a plan for Zadok to be a spy. Information would be fed to him from different loyal sources and in turn Zadok would relay it to David.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 15:30-37:


30 David was climbing the slope of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he ascended. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot.[13] Each of the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they ascended. 31 Then someone reported to David: “Ahithophel (uh HITH oh fel) is among the conspirators with Absalom.” “LORD,” David pleaded, “please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” 32 When David came to the summit where he used to worship God, there to meet him was Hushai the Archite[14] with his robe torn and dust on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go away with me, you’ll be a burden to me, 34 but if you return to the city and tell Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, my king! Previously, I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant,’ then you can counteract Ahithophel’s counsel for me. 35 Won’t Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report everything you hear from the king’s palace to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Take note: their two sons, Zadok’s son Ahimaaz and Abiathar’s son Jonathan, are there with them. Send me everything you hear through them.” 37 So Hushai, David’s personal adviser, entered Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.


It is very interesting that David is ascending the Mount of Olives. He is in a state of mourning and great concern. He could have been remembering his sins and the calamity they have brought upon him, his family and kingdom.


The Mount of Olives has played such an important role in Israel’s history:


- It is located east of Jerusalem.
- It was where JESUS went after HE instituted the LORD’S Supper.
- It was where JESUS was betrayed by Judas.
- It was where JESUS had given the what is known as the “Olivet Discourse” where JESUS speaks of the signs of the times, the end of the age, the Great Tribulation and the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24:3 - 25:46)
- It was where JESUS ascended into heaven after HIS resurrection from the dead.
- It is where the Prophet Zechariah in Zechariah 14:4 spoke of the future Day of the LORD: 4 On that day His feet will stand on the • Mount of Olives,[3] which faces Jerusalem on the east. The Mount of Olives will be split in half from east to west, forming a huge valley, so that half the mountain will move to the north and half to the south.


David was climbing the Mount weeping, barefoot and with his head covered. It was a sign of his remorse with what was happening. He may have thought that his sin caused all of this pain. His supporters felt his pain and mourned with him. When your children rebel against you it is devastating. Absalom had built an army and was out to kill his father and take his throne. David knew the end result, at best, would not be good. Later we know that David asked Joab to not kill Absalom but did Joab obey his king?


David was told that one of his trusted advisors, Ahithophel (uh HITH oh fel), was advising Absalom. David prayed and asked GOD to turn Ahithophel’s wise counsel into foolishness.


Hushai (HYOO shigh) the Archite (AHR kight) wanted to be a loyal supporter of David but David told him that he would be a burden to him. If he wanted to help, he should return to Jerusalem and pledge allegiance to Absalom and become an advisor to him and counteract the wise counsel of Ahithophel. Hushai did as David wanted which turned out to be the very thing that defeated Absalom as we see in 2 Samuel 17:1-16:


1 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose 12,000 men, and I will set out in pursuit of David tonight. 2 I will attack him while he is weak and weary, throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will scatter. I will strike down only the king 3 and bring all the people back to you. When everyone returns [except]* the man you’re seeking, all[1] the people will be at peace.” 4 This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel. 5 Then Absalom said, “Summon Hushai the Archite also. Let’s hear what he has to say as well.” 6 So Hushai came to Absalom, and Absalom told him: “Ahithophel offered this proposal. Should we carry out his proposal? If not, what do you say?” 7 Hushai replied to Absalom, “The advice Ahithophel has given this time is not good.” 8 Hushai continued, “You know your father and his men. They are warriors and are desperate like a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Your father is an experienced soldier who won’t spend the night with the people. 9 He’s probably already hiding in one of the caves[2] or some other place. If some of our troops fall[3] first, someone is sure to hear and say, ‘There’s been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 Then, even a brave man with the heart of a lion will melt because all Israel knows that your father and the valiant men with him are warriors. 11 Instead, I advise that all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba—as numerous as the sand by the sea—be gathered to you and that you personally go into battle. 12 Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. Not even one will be left of all the men with him. 13 If he retreats to some city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag its [stones]* into the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.” 14 Since the LORD had decreed that Ahithophel’s good advice be undermined in order to bring about Absalom’s ruin,[4] Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than Ahithophel’s advice.”


David Informed of Absalom’s Plans


15 Hushai then told the priests Zadok and Abiathar, “This is what[5] Ahithophel advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what[6] I advised. 16 Now send someone quickly and tell David, ‘Don’t spend the night at the wilderness ford [of the Jordan]* , but be sure to cross over, or the king and all the people with him will be destroyed.’ ”


If Absalom had followed Ahithophel’s advice he would have defeated David. David looked to GOD to guide and direct him. When he climbed up the Mount of Olives, he prayed. GOD guided him in his decisions and the result was victory, which was bitter sweet as we see in our next scripture.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 18:9-17:


Absalom’s Death


9 Absalom was riding on his mule when he happened to meet David’s soldiers. When the mule went under the tangled branches of a large oak tree, Absalom’s head was caught fast in the tree. The mule under him kept going, so he was suspended in midair.[2] 10 One of the men saw [him]* and informed Joab. He said, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree!” 11 “You just saw [him]* !” Joab exclaimed.[3] “Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you 10 silver pieces[4] and a belt!” 12 The man replied to Joab, “Even if I had the weight of 1,000 pieces of silver[5] in my hand, I would not raise my hand against the king’s son. For we heard the king command you, Abishai, and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for me.’[6][7] 13 If I had jeopardized my own[8] life—and nothing is hidden from the king—you would have abandoned me.” 14 Joab said, “I’m not going to waste time with you!” He then took three spears in his hand and thrust them into Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the oak tree, 15 and 10 young men who were Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him. 16 Afterwards, Joab blew the ram’s horn, and the troops broke off their pursuit of Israel because Joab restrained them. 17 They took Absalom, threw him into a large pit in the forest, and piled a huge mound of stones over him.[9] And all Israel fled, each to his tent.


The news of Absalom’s death devastated David as we will see in our next scripture.


Let’s read 2 Samuel 19:1-8a:


David’s Kingdom Restored


1 It was reported to Joab, “The king is weeping. He’s mourning over Absalom.” 2 That day’s victory was turned into mourning for all the troops because on that day the troops heard, “The king is grieving over his son.” 3 So they returned to the city quietly that day like people come in when they are humiliated after fleeing in battle. 4 But the king hid his face and cried out at the top of his voice, “My son Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son!” 5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have shamed all your soldiers—those who rescued your life and the lives of your sons and daughters, your wives, and your concubines. 6 You love your enemies and hate those who love you! Today you have made it clear that the commanders and soldiers mean nothing to you. In fact, today I know that if Absalom were alive and all of us were dead, it would be fine with you![1]7 “Now get up! Go out and encourage[2] your soldiers, for I swear by the LORD that if you don’t go out, not a man will remain with you tonight. This will be worse for you than all the trouble that has come to you from your youth until now!” 8 So the king got up and sat in the • gate, and all the people were told: “Look, the king is sitting in the gate.” Then they all came into the king’s presence.


David had confined himself to a chamber above the gate, which was the entrance to the city as reported in 2 Samuel 18:33:


33 [11] The king was deeply moved and went up to the gate chamber and wept. As he walked, he cried, “My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, Absalom, my son, my son!”


The gate was where friends were welcomed and enemies were kept out. It was the place for trials and for greeting and communicating with the people. David had isolated himself above the gate. Likely David had positioned himself above the gate to address and compliment those who had supported and defended him and the kingdom. But when he received the word that Absalom had been killed he fell apart. The people expected him to grieve but not to the exclusion of congratulating them on their victory.


Those who had risked their lives to defend and support David got upset with him because of his wailing and lack of visibility among them. They realized that Absalom was his son but it seemed that David would have rather that he had been killed and defeated. There was a feeling of defeat among the people whereas they had won. It was true that Absalom had been killed but after all he was the culprit and the reason they had to defend David.


Joab went to David and spoke to him firmly. David needed a dose of reality. Sure he had lost his son but his son was out to kill him and take over his kingdom. So he needed to get over it because those who stood with him needed for him to show appreciation for their support of him.


David heeded Joab’s advice and positioned himself at the gate to show support for those who had supported him. When tragedy comes, there comes a time when we have to get over it. Yes, it hurts and we miss those who have lost their lives.


When bad times hit, who do we turn to? David did not try to coerce GOD. Instead he trusted GOD with the outcome of his bad situation but he also prayed and took action as GOD led him. There was one pivotal point when Absalom took the advice of Hushai over Ahithophel’s. I believe GOD planted that idea into David’s head. GOD knows the beginning from the end. Seek HIM and HIS guidance.


Who or where or what do you turn to in crises? David turned to GOD. If you have not asked CHRIST to forgive you of your sins and asked HIM into your heart do so now.