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2 Samuel 15

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1 Some time later, Absalom provided for himself a chariot with horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. 2 He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel," 3 Absalom would say, “Look, your claims are good and right, but the king has no deputy to hear you." 4 And he would add, “If only someone would appoint me judge in the land, then everyone with a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would give him justice." 5 Also, when anyone approached to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him, and kiss him. 6 Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for justice. In this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 7 After four years had passed, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go to Hebron to fulfill a vow I have made to the LORD. 8 For your servant made a vow while dwelling in Geshur of Aram, saying: ‘If indeed the LORD brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the LORD in Hebron.’ “ 9 “Go in peace,” said the king. So Absalom got up and went to Hebron. 10 Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’" 11 Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. 12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. 13 Then a messenger came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom." 14 And David said to all the servants with him in Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or we will not escape from Absalom! We must leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us, heap disaster on us, and put the city to the sword." 15 The king’s servants replied, “Whatever our lord the king decides, we are your servants." 16 Then the king set out, and his entire household followed him. But he left behind ten concubines to take care of the palace. 17 So the king set out with all the people following him. He stopped at the last house, 18 and all his servants marched past him—all the Cherethites and Pelethites, and six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath. 19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why should you also go with us? Go back and stay with the new king, since you are both a foreigner and an exile from your homeland. 20 In fact, you arrived only yesterday; should I make you wander around with us today while I do not know where I am going? Go back and take your brothers with you. May the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness. “ 21 But Ittai answered the king, “As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be!" 22 “March on then,” said David to Ittai. So Ittai the Gittite marched past with all his men and all the little ones who were with him. 23 Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. And as the king crossed the Kidron Valley, all the people also passed toward the way of the wilderness. 24 Zadok was also there, and all the Levites with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until the people had passed out of the city. 25 Then the king said to Zadok, “Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again. 26 But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him." 27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace—you with your son Ahimaaz, and Abiathar with his son Jonathan. 28 See, I will 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. 30 But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went. 31 Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!" 32 When David came to the summit, where he used to worship God, Hushai the Archite was there to meet him with his robe torn and dust on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. 34 But you can thwart the counsel of Ahithophel for me if you return to the city and say to Absalom: ‘I will be your servant, my king; in the past I was your father’s servant, but now I will be your servant.’ 35 Will not Zadok and Abiathar the priests be there with you? Report to them everything you hear from the king’s palace. 36 Indeed, their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with everything you hear." 37 So David’s friend Hushai arrived in Jerusalem just as Absalom was entering the city.

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Study Notes — 2 Samuel 15

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Chapter Summary

2 Samuel 15 begins with Absalom, David's son, stealing the hearts of the men of Israel with his charming words and good looks. He eventually gains enough support to rebel against his father, and David is forced to flee Jerusalem. As David leaves, he encounters Ittai the Gittite, a loyal foreigner who refuses to leave David's side. The chapter also describes the role of Ahithophel, one of David's advisors, who joins Absalom's rebellion. Throughout the chapter, David's trust in God's sovereignty is evident, as he commits his cause to the Lord and waits for His deliverance. Key verses include 2 Samuel 15:25-26, where David asks Ittai to return to Jerusalem, and 2 Samuel 15:30-31, where David weeps as he leaves the city.

Context for the Chapter

2 Samuel 15 is part of the larger narrative of David's reign as king of Israel. The chapter follows the story of David's sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent consequences, including the rebellion of Absalom. The chapter also looks forward to the eventual restoration of David to the throne, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His people. In the larger biblical narrative, the chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's Anointed One, Jesus Christ, over His enemies.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of uncertainty and rebellion. As we face our own challenges and struggles, we can commit our cause to the Lord, trusting in His faithfulness and control over all things. We are also reminded of the importance of seeking God's counsel and discerning the motives of those around us.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David. Despite the challenges he faces, David trusts in God's sovereignty and commits his cause to the Lord. We can learn from David's example, trusting in God's faithfulness and control over all things, even in the midst of uncertainty and rebellion. As seen in 2 Samuel 15:25-26, David's trust in God is a powerful example for us today.

Voices from the Church

“The greatest enemy of the Christian is not the devil, but his own heart. It is the sinful heart that leads us to rebel against God, just as Absalom rebelled against David.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Lord's providence is not limited to the actions of good men, but also extends to the actions of the wicked. In 2 Samuel 15, we see how God's sovereignty is evident even in the rebellion of Absalom.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Absalom's Rebellion (2 Samuel 15:1-6) — The chapter begins with Absalom stealing the hearts of the men of Israel, leading to a full-blown rebellion against his father, King David.
  2. David's Flight from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:7-23) — As Absalom's rebellion gains momentum, David is forced to flee Jerusalem, leaving behind his throne and his kingdom.
  3. The Role of Ittai the Gittite (2 Samuel 15:24-30) — David encounters Ittai, a loyal foreigner who refuses to leave his side, demonstrating the importance of loyalty and faithfulness.
  4. The Counsel of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31-37) — Ahithophel, one of David's advisors, joins Absalom's rebellion, demonstrating the danger of human counsel and the importance of seeking God's guidance.
  5. David's Trust in God's Sovereignty (2 Samuel 15:25-26, 30-31) — Throughout the chapter, David's trust in God's sovereignty is evident, as he commits his cause to the Lord and waits for His deliverance.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God
The chapter demonstrates God's control over all things, including the actions of rebellious men like Absalom. As seen in 2 Samuel 15:25-26, David's trust in God's sovereignty is a powerful example of this doctrine.
Faithfulness of God
Despite the rebellion against him, David's trust in God's sovereignty is evident throughout the chapter, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
Danger of Human Counsel
The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God's counsel, rather than relying solely on human advice. Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom ultimately leads to his downfall, while David's trust in God's sovereignty leads to his restoration.
Importance of Loyalty
The chapter highlights the loyalty of Ittai the Gittite, who refuses to leave David's side, even in the face of uncertainty and danger.

Lessons from 2 Samuel 15

  1. The Dangers of Flattery — The chapter highlights the dangers of flattery and the importance of discernment, as Absalom's charming words and good looks lead many to follow him.
  2. The Importance of Seeking God's Counsel — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking God's counsel, rather than relying solely on human advice, as David's trust in God's sovereignty leads to his restoration.
  3. The Faithfulness of God — Despite the rebellion against him, David's trust in God's sovereignty is evident throughout the chapter, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
  4. The Importance of Loyalty — The chapter highlights the loyalty of Ittai the Gittite, who refuses to leave David's side, even in the face of uncertainty and danger.
  5. The Ultimate Triumph of God's Anointed — The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's Anointed One, Jesus Christ, over His enemies, demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

Themes from 2 Samuel 15

  1. Rebellion Against God's Anointed — The chapter describes the rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David, highlighting the consequences of sin and the faithfulness of God.
  2. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates God's control over all things, including the actions of rebellious men like Absalom.
  3. The Importance of Loyalty — The chapter highlights the loyalty of Ittai the Gittite, who refuses to leave David's side, even in the face of uncertainty and danger.
  4. The Danger of Human Counsel — The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God's counsel, rather than relying solely on human advice.
  5. The Faithfulness of God — Despite the rebellion against him, David's trust in God's sovereignty is evident throughout the chapter, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him.

Questions for Meditation

  1. How does Absalom's rebellion against David reflect the human heart's tendency to rebel against God?
  2. What role does human counsel play in the chapter, and what lessons can we learn from Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom?
  3. How does David's trust in God's sovereignty demonstrate the importance of faith in the midst of uncertainty and rebellion?
  4. What importance does the chapter place on loyalty, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives?
  5. How does the chapter point to the ultimate triumph of God's Anointed One, Jesus Christ, over His enemies?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Absalom's Rebellion (2 Samuel 15:1-6)

15:1 The chapter begins with Absalom stealing the hearts of the men of Israel, leading to a full-blown rebellion against his father, King David.
15:2 Absalom's charming words and good looks lead many to follow him, demonstrating the danger of flattery and the importance of discernment.

2. David's Flight from Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:7-23)

15:14 As Absalom's rebellion gains momentum, David is forced to flee Jerusalem, leaving behind his throne and his kingdom.
15:18 David's trust in God's sovereignty is evident as he commits his cause to the Lord and waits for His deliverance.

3. The Role of Ittai the Gittite (2 Samuel 15:24-30)

15:25 David encounters Ittai, a loyal foreigner who refuses to leave his side, demonstrating the importance of loyalty and faithfulness.
15:26 David's words to Ittai demonstrate his faith in God's plan, even in the midst of rebellion and uncertainty.

4. The Counsel of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31-37)

15:31 Ahithophel, one of David's advisors, joins Absalom's rebellion, demonstrating the danger of human counsel and the importance of seeking God's guidance.
15:34 Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom ultimately leads to his downfall, while David's trust in God's sovereignty leads to his restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of 2 Samuel 15?

The main theme of 2 Samuel 15 is the rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David, highlighting the consequences of sin and the faithfulness of God. As seen in 2 Samuel 15:25-26, David's trust in God's sovereignty is a powerful example of this theme.

Who is Ittai the Gittite, and what role does he play in the chapter?

Ittai the Gittite is a loyal foreigner who refuses to leave David's side, even in the face of uncertainty and danger. His loyalty is a powerful example of faithfulness and trust in God's sovereignty.

What lesson can we learn from Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom?

We can learn the importance of seeking God's counsel, rather than relying solely on human advice. Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom ultimately leads to his downfall, while David's trust in God's sovereignty leads to his restoration.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Samuel 15:1 → 1 Kings 1:5 The rebellion of Absalom against David is similar to the rebellion of Adonijah against Solomon, highlighting the dangers of human ambition and the importance of seeking God's counsel.
2 2 Samuel 15:25 → Psalm 55:12-14 David's trust in God's sovereignty is evident in both 2 Samuel 15:25 and Psalm 55:12-14, demonstrating the importance of faith in the midst of uncertainty and rebellion.
3 2 Samuel 15:30 → John 15:20 The persecution of David by Absalom is similar to the persecution of Jesus by the Jewish leaders, highlighting the theme of rebellion against God's Anointed One.
4 2 Samuel 15:31 → Proverbs 11:14 The counsel of Ahithophel to Absalom is an example of the danger of human counsel, highlighting the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom.
5 2 Samuel 15:34 → Isaiah 30:1 The rebellion of Absalom against David is an example of the futility of human rebellion against God, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
6 2 Samuel 15:25 → Matthew 26:39 David's trust in God's sovereignty is similar to Jesus' trust in His Father's will, demonstrating the importance of faith and obedience in the face of uncertainty and rebellion.
7 2 Samuel 15:1 → Acts 13:22 The rebellion of Absalom against David is an example of the dangers of human ambition and the importance of seeking God's counsel, highlighting the theme of rebellion against God's Anointed One.
8 2 Samuel 15:30 → Romans 8:28 The persecution of David by Absalom is an example of the sovereignty of God, highlighting the theme of God's control over all things, including the actions of rebellious men like Absalom.

Sermons on 2 Samuel 15

SermonDescription
S.M. Davis Changing the Heart of a Rebel by S.M. Davis In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of parents being committed to long-term change rather than seeking quick fixes when dealing with rebellious children. The spea
Jim Cymbala Three Keys to Spiritual Victory by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fighting for souls and standing against evil. He encourages believers to fight for their loved ones through prayer, even w
Willie Mullan (John) the Glory of the Lord by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fearless nature of Jesus as he walked into the enemy's heart. The preacher emphasizes the significance of the word "band" in the Bible, w
Jack Hyles Deep Calleth Unto Deep by Jack Hyles In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of being caught in a storm on a boat. Despite the fear and uncertainty, the preacher and his companion prayed and eventual
Carl Armerding Psalm 3 by Carl Armerding In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of crying out to the Lord in times of need. He shares a personal testimony of a doctor who was also a minister and how he expe
David Guzik (2 Samuel) Treachery and Loyalty by David Guzik In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the character of Absalom and his cunning tactics to win the hearts of the people of Israel. Absalom would sympathize with anyone who came to
Chuck Smith David Setting Out to Destroy the Purpose of Absalom by Chuck Smith In his sermon, Chuck Smith discusses King David's emotional journey as he sets out to thwart the rebellion of his son Absalom. David, accompanied by his loyal followers, mourns and
Phil Beach Jr. Laying Aside Every Weight by Phil Beach Jr. In this sermon, the speaker begins by acknowledging a clear visitation of the Lord Jesus in their midst. He then draws a parallel to the story of Absalom, who stole the hearts of t
James K. Boswell What Is a Christian 18 Christian an Instrument by James K. Boswell In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans 6 and highlights four important things that the Apostle Paul wants believers to know. These include the meaning of baptism, the signi
Mike Bickle God's Discipline: David's Family Conflicts (2 Sam. 13-15) by Mike Bickle Mike Bickle discusses God's discipline in the life of David, emphasizing the consequences of David's sins of adultery and murder, which led to turmoil within his family. Over eight

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Samuel 15

In this chapter, we see the rebellion of Absalom against his father, King David, highlighting the consequences of sin and the faithfulness of God. David's trust in God's sovereignty is evident throughout the chapter, as he commits his cause to the Lord and waits for His deliverance. The chapter also highlights the importance of seeking God's counsel, rather than relying solely on human advice, as Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom ultimately leads to his downfall. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord's providence is not limited to the actions of good men, but also extends to the actions of the wicked.' This chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness, encouraging us to trust in His plan, even in the midst of uncertainty and rebellion. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Role of Human Counsel

The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God's counsel, rather than relying solely on human advice. Ahithophel's counsel to Absalom ultimately leads to his downfall, while David's trust in God's sovereignty leads to his restoration.

The Danger of Flattery

Absalom's charming words and good looks lead many to follow him, demonstrating the danger of flattery and the importance of discernment.

The Faithfulness of God

Despite the rebellion against him, David's trust in God's sovereignty is evident throughout the chapter, demonstrating God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him.

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