Introductory Thoughts
Absalom rebelled against king David (his father) by seeking to take over David’s kingdom and end his life. Ahithophel, who had previously served as an advisor to David, gave counsel to Absalom that could have eliminated David and his followers (2 Samuel 17:1-4). The counsel pleased Absalom, but he chose to request a second opinion from Hushai. Yet, Hushai was still a loyal friend of David, unbeknownst to Absalom, who was actually working undercover in Absalom’s kingdom (2 Samuel 15:31-37). Thankfully, Absalom asked for his counsel. Hushai proceeded to tell Absalom the shortcomings of Ahithophel’s counsel and offered his own counsel that would protect king David. After hearing the counsel of both Ahithophel and Hushai, Absalom unwisely determined that Hushai’s counsel was better. Hushai’s loyalty to the king and God conquered Absalom’s rebellion and eventually ended it.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Abigails loyalty and wisdom kept David from seeking vengeance against her wicked husband Nabal. David thanked Abigail because he would have regretted such a shameful deed. Abigails loyalty saved Nabals household (1 Samuel 25:2-38).
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(For everyone): In a home, how could one childs loyalty to his parents conquer the rebellion of siblings? In a workplace, how could one persons loyalty overcome the rebellion of others?
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How can one believers loyalty to the Lord overcome the rebellion of others? How are you working for the Lord in order to fight against the rebellion of this world?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you to be loyal when others rebel.
- Ask the Lord to give you the loyalty of Hushai.
Song
COME WE THAT LOVE THE LORD
