We may imagine that life should pass without inhibitions,
difficulties or heartaches, but deep down we know better. Life can be very hard;
even cruel at times. Such is the case in which we find David in this chapter.
The very son whom David had forgiven (and to whom he had extended amnesty) had
turned on him and stolen his throne. It was a dark and weary path that David
was treading when he walked out of his palace, out of Jerusalem, away from the
Tabernacle, away from the Ark of God and into the wilderness to hide for his
life.
Perhaps he could have stayed and fought, but he recognized
the power of persuasion and the influence of his most ambitious son. So, as
soon as word came to David that Absalom had risen in a coup and had
successfully declared himself to be the new king, David high-tailed it out of
town. At this juncture, Absalom was
reigning in David's old capitol city (Hebron) and David was fleeing for his
life. David crossed the Mount of Olives
with bare feet and tears flowing. Now, despite
Absalom's wickedness, David loved him. Surely David had many reasons to
mourn. No doubt David reflected on his past
moral failures as he plodded along in retreat. The loss of all that he had
become accustomed to was an added burden.
The realization that he had been rejected by his own nation would have
been bitter medicine for him as well.
In the departure of David and his court (well, some of his
court), it becomes apparent that David had many true friends as well as some
very sly and opportunistic political groupies. Take special notice of 2 (in particular)
who are mentioned here: Ahithophel and Hushai. One of them was wise, but
self-absorbed. The second was loyal and brave. Stay tuned for their story
another day. The priests also played an important though somewhat unusual role
in this part of the story of David's life. Zadok, Abiathar and their sons
served as political spies for David during these days. We will find how much of
a risk they were taking as we continue to read.
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