Chapter 15

1 Absalom, by fair speeches and courtesies, stealeth the hearts of Israel. 7 Under pretence of a vow he obtaineth leave to go to Hebron. 10 He maketh there a great conspiracy. 13 David upon the news fleeth from Jerusalem. 19Ittai would not leave him. 24 Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with the ark. 30 David and his company go up mount Olivet weeping. 31 He curseth Ahithophel’s counsel. 32 Hushai is sent back with instructions.

1. Chariots and horses. Absalom was secretly scheming to secure the crown. In order to impress the people he assumed an attitude that he thought befitted the heir apparent. Compare Adonijah, who followed the same course of action when he “exalted himself” with the purpose of taking the throne (1 Kings 1:5; see also 1 Sam. 8:11).

Fifty men to run before him. A bodyguard for the prince. By these measures Absalom appeared to be setting forth his claim to succeed to the throne. This was equivalent to issuing a general pronouncement that he considered himself the one who would next be king.

2. The gate. The city gate was the place where public business was carried on and where the judges took their position for the administration of justice (see on Gen. 19:1).

Came to the king. The people were wont to come to the king for judgment, but justice was slow. David’s preoccupation with his troubles, his hesitation to take a firm stand in rebuking wrong, evidently showed in his administration of public affairs. Absalom, however, courted public favor, placing himself in the way of the people and putting his time and services at their command.

Of what city? The prince was a skillful politician. By asking questions he indicated that he took a real interest in the people and left the impression that he was a personal friend.

Of one of the tribes. We would say “of such and such a tribe.” In each case the individual, of course, mentioned the particular tribe.

3. Good and right. Everyone was flattered by a favorable verdict, and thus influenced to sing Absalom’s praises throughout the land.

No man deputed. This was an insinuation that the king was careless and indifferent about the administration of justice. The purpose was, of course, to excite among the people a sense of grievance and discontent by censuring the king for remissness in his public responsibilities and to suggest that the remedy for such an unsatisfactory state of affairs would be found in making Absalom king.

4. Made judge. Absalom assumed an air of benignity and righteous indignation at the sad state of affairs. If only he were judge, the people would not be deprived of their rights, for he would see that the situation was quickly remedied. Every cause for dissatisfaction he turned to his own advantage and against the king. At every opportunity he expressed his sympathies and regrets at the inefficiencies of administration, and his earnest wish to set things right.

5. Kissed him. Absalom employed every art by which he might win the hearts of the people to himself. By his affability and extreme courtesy and by an air of assumed affection he caused the people to think that he was genuinely interested in their welfare and would, if king, give them an administration that would ensure to each individual the full enjoyment of all his rights.

6. On this manner. Absalom succeeded in creating a general discontent with David’s administration of government. The fickle populace did not see through his scheme.

Stole the hearts. The means employed were dishonest and unfair. Absalom purposely deceived the people, creating suspicion, disaffection, and animosity against the king. Everywhere men praised Absalom and criticized the king. People were wishing that David would abdicate so that Absalom might take his seat upon the throne.

7. Forty years. The Lucian edition of the LXX and the Syriac here read “4 years.” This is also the figure given by Josephus (Antiquities vii. 9. 1). It is not clear from what point these four years are to be reckoned, but it probably was from Absalom’s return to Jerusalem. If so, two years had been spent in conspiring for the throne, preparing the way by flatteries (see ch. 14:28).

Go and pay my vow. Such a request would have a particular appeal to David. But it was a cloak of religious devotion to conceal Absalom’s traitorous designs.

In Hebron. The vow was made, not at Hebron, but at Geshur (v. 8), but it was to be paid in Hebron. This place was well chosen as the site for Absalom’s rebellion. It was his birthplace (ch. 3:2, 3), and the site of David’s first capital. Many of the inhabitants were probably not reconciled to the transfer of the capital to Jerusalem. Being the place of Absalom’s birth, it afforded a plausible pretext for holding there the great sacrificial feast in fulfillment of Absalom’s supposed vow.

8. If the Lord. Absalom pretended to make his return to Jerusalem appear to be a providence of God, granted him in return for a solemn vow made while he was still an exile at Geshur.

9. Go in peace. David did not, as yet, see through Absalom’s scheme, but gave him support and blessing. Meanwhile Absalom’s deceptive arts were meeting with success. He had beguiled the people into thinking that he was their friend and benefactor and he had deceived David into believing that he was a dutiful son. What he did not as yet foresee was his own final failure and death.

10. Sent spies. Secret agents were sent to strategic places throughout the land, to communicate word concerning the conspiracy to those they found favorably disposed. The elaborate preparations for the rebellion are not given in detail, but evidently the plot had been carefully thought through. At a given signal, emissaries throughout the land were to proclaim the news that the coronation of Absalom was an accomplished fact.

11. Went in their simplicity. The 200 men who accompanied Absalom innocently were probably men of prominence who held influential positions. Once at Hebron, Absalom hoped to win them to his side, and thus they could exert a powerful influence in his favor. Or, failing to secure their support, he could prevent them from engaging in any efforts against him.

12. Ahithophel. He was estranged from David by personal resentment over David’s misconduct against Bath-sheba, Ahithophel’s granddaughter (see PP 735). His son Eliam (ch. 23:34) was the father of Bath-sheba (ch. 11:3). Ahithophel was no doubt a party to the conspiracy. He could well have played an important part in fomenting unrest in the regions around Hebron and in making sure that everything there was in readiness for Absalom’s coronation.

Giloh. A town 6 1/2 mi. (10.4 km.) north-northwest of Hebron (Joshua 15:51), now Khirbet JaЖlaµ.

Was strong. At the time of the feast the necessary preparatory work had already been done. Ahithophel’s connection with the conspiracy would draw the support of many influential men and would make Absalom’s cause appear certain of success. Some believe that Ps. 41:9 is an allusion to Ahithophel.

14. Let us flee. The decision was wise, for David at the moment was totally unprepared for the crisis. In his great peril David shook off his lethargy and indecision and seemed to regain something of his early courage and swiftness of action. The sequel proved this to have been the correct course of action. Both Ahithophel (ch. 17:1, 2) and Hushai (ch. 17:7–13) recognized that delay would be fatal, and that Absalom’s greatest hope for success would be to take immediate steps against David. By his flight David gave himself time to make ready a defense, and the people time to ponder their course. The horrors of a long civil war were thus averted.

Smite the city. David feared that he could not at the moment make a successful stand at Jerusalem. Disaffection within the city, or perhaps even in his own household, might turn the tide against him. There would not be the spirit of unity that could have been expected if Jerusalem had been attacked by a foreign foe. It was his own son who would make the assault, and he undoubtedly had many supporters within the city.

16. Keep the house. Indicating that David was hoping to return.

17. In a place that was far off. Literally, “the house of distance,” perhaps one of the last houses before crossing the Kidron Valley. Some think a proper name is indicated and transliterate the clause, “Beth Merhak.” It was doubtless sufficiently distant to assure the king a measure of safety and to afford opportunity for a rest and for mustering the available forces.

18. The Cherethites. These and the Pelethites were among the most trusted part of David’s army and constituted his special bodyguard (2 Sam. 8:18; 20:7, 23; 1 Kings 1:38, 44; 1 Chron. 18:17). They were probably Cretan and Philistine mercenaries (see p. 34; see also on 1 Sam. 30:14; cf. Eze. 25:16; Zeph. 2:5). Others, on the basis of a Ras Shamrah tablet, consider the Cherethites to have been Canaanites. These men who were with David had embraced the religion of Israel, and were the most loyal of his men.

The Gittites. These 600 men were natives of the Philistine city of Gath who had joined themselves with David and had accepted the Hebrew religion. They were evidently commanded by Ittai (v. 19).

19. Wherefore goest thou? David had a real concern for these strangers from Philistia; he was also testing their loyalty. It was essential now that he have with him only those in whom he could place the fullest dependence. Thus far these men had proved themselves true. But now that David was engaged in a civil war, he may not have been certain that they would continue loyal.

20. Return thou. David’s concern for these strangers was well repaid. Treating these men kindly, he found them ready to throw in their lot fully with him.

21. In death or life. Ittai, himself a newcomer, pledged absolute fidelity. David could ask for nothing more. He knew that these men were ready, if necessary, to die with him. Ittai’s fidelity was like that of Ruth (Ruth 1:16, 17).

24. Zadok also. Zadok and Abiathar were the chief priests. When David fled, the priests planned to flee with him, taking along the ark of God. The people were happy at the presence of the ark, for they felt that this sacred symbol accompanying them would ensure the presence and blessing of God and thus would be a guarantee of ultimate victory. They were inspired with faith and courage, but the followers of Absalom, realizing that the sacred symbol was no longer with them, would be stricken with fear and terror.

Abiathar. This is the priest who later, when David was old, cast in his lot with Adonijah, helping him in his efforts to take the crown (1 Kings 1:7).

25. Carry back the ark. David realized that the ark alone would not ensure victory. In the days of Eli the ark was taken into battle against the Philistines, but was captured, and the Israelites defeated (1 Sam. 4:3–11). David knew that unless his heart and that of the people were right, the ark would not bring victory but disaster. The place for the ark was in Jerusalem rather than with him on his flight.

If I shall find favour. The secret of success and victory was not the presence of the ark but obedience and the favor of God.

26. Let him do. David recognized that he had been guilty of a grievous offense against God, and that the troubles that were overtaking him came, in part, as a result of his sins. He was willing to take whatever chastening the Lord had for him, being perfectly reconciled to God’s will.

27. A seer. A seer was appointed by God to instruct the people (see on Gen. 20:7; cf. 1 Sam. 9:9).

Return. As a friend of David, Zadok could be of greater service to him there.

Ahimaaz. The two sons of the priests could be of inestimable service to David in communicating information to him concerning affairs in the city (see vs. 35, 36).

28. In the plain. Literally, “By the fords.” The reading, “plain,” comes from the margin of the Hebrew Bible and is also the reading of the ancient versions. There were fords of the Jordan southeast of Jericho. David would wait, ready to cross the river. He had received only a brief report of the conspiracy, and his further plans must await more information.

30. His head covered. A sign of deep mourning (see 2 Sam. 19:4; Esther 6:12; Jer. 14:3, 4).

Weeping as they went. This was a dark moment for David and the people with him. They had left their homes and were fleeing for their lives. No one could predict the future. They could see only deeper shadows and greater sorrows ahead.

31. Into foolishness. Ahithophel was an able and wily counselor, but the Lord is mightier than men and can bring the counsel of the wisest to nought.

32. Hushai the Archite. The appearance of Hushai seemed to be the immediate answer to David’s prayer.

34. If thou return. Hushai had come to cast in his lot with David, but he could be of greater service if he returned to Jerusalem and offered his services to Absalom, doing what he could to bring the crafty counsel of Ahithophel to nought.

35. Out of the king’s house. With Hushai the friend of David serving Absalom as counselor, it would be possible to pass on to David secret information of the highest importance.

Ellen G. White comments

1–37PP 729–735

1, 2 PP 729

3–8PP 730

10   PP 731

11, 12  PP 730

13–20PP 731

21, 24  PP 732

25–34PP 735

30   MB 24