David’s Flight From Absalom’s Rebellion

INTRODUCTION: David is still reaping what he has sown. One of the judgments given by Nathan was that a neighbor would “lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun” (2 Samuel 12:11). By the end of this lesson, Absalom does just that on the roof from which David had first looked on Bathsheba. Galatians 6:7 is fulfilled in this lesson.

1. ABSALOM STOLE THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE (2 Samuel 15:1-6)
1. He Made a Show of Importance (2 Samuel 15:1; Psalm 49:18; Acts 25:23).
1. He prepared chariots and horses.
2. He had fifty men to run before him.
2. He Took Everyones Side (2 Samuel 15:2-4).
1. He stood beside the way of the gate (2 Samuel 15:2); where important men would gather (Genesis 19:1, 9).
2. He took notice of the men who came to court (2 Samuel 15:2).
3. He took their side in whatever dispute they were in (2 Samuel 15:3).
4. He wished aloud that he had the authority to help them (2 Samuel 15:4).
3. He Treated Others as Equals (2 Samuel 15:5-6).
1. He treated him as a dear friend (2 Samuel 15:5).
1. He took him by the hand (Galatians 2:9).
2. He kissed him (2 Samuel 20:9).
2. He stole their hearts (2 Samuel 15:6; Proverbs 20:19; 2 Peter 2:3).
2. ABSALOM CONSPIRED AGAINST HIS FATHER DAVID (2 Samuel 15:7-12)
1. Absalom Went to Hebron (2 Samuel 15:7-9).
1. Evidently, Absalom was forty years old (2 Samuel 15:7); the forty years could have referred to the time since David had initially been anointed king (1 Samuel 16:13).
2. He requested of David to go to Hebron (2 Samuel 15:7-8), the place of his birth.
3. David told him to go in peace (2 Samuel 15:9).
2. Absalom Set Up His Kingdom (2 Samuel 15:10-12).
1. Absalom sent out spies announcing his reign (2 Samuel 15:10).
2. Absalom took 200 men who went in simplicity (2 Samuel 15:11).
3. Absalom took Ahithophel, Davids counselor, with him (2 Samuel 15:12).
1. Ahithophel had a son named Eliam who was one of Davids mighty men (2 Samuel 23:34).
2. Eliam had a daughter named Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3).
3. Ahithophel was the grandfather of Bathsheba; this could explain his rebellion against David.
4. The people increased continually with Absalom (2 Samuel 15:12).
3. DAVID FLED FOR HIS LIFE FROM JERUSALEM (2 Samuel 15:13-23)
1. David Decided to Flee (2 Samuel 15:13-16).
1. David received word of the extent of the rebellion (2 Samuel 15:13).
2. David quickly decided to flee from Absalom (2 Samuel 15:14-15).
3. David left ten concubines to keep the house (2 Samuel 15:16).
2. Davids Men Went with Him (2 Samuel 15:17-18).
3. Ittai the Gittite Went with Him (2 Samuel 15:19-22).
1. David encouraged Ittai to stay in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:19-20).
1. He is a stranger in the land (2 Samuel 15:19).
2. He is a newcomer to the land (2 Samuel 15:20).
3. David knew not what would happen to him (2 Samuel 15:20).
2. Ittai insisted that he stay with the king (2 Samuel 15:21).
1. He would be where his lord the king was (John 12:26).
2. Whether in life or in death
3. Ittai came with all his men and little ones (2 Samuel 15:22).
4. They Passed over the Brook Kidron (2 Samuel 15:23).
4. DAVID LEFT FRIENDS IN THE CITY (2 Samuel 15:24-37)
1. Zadok and Abithar the Priests Stayed (2 Samuel 15:24-29).
1. The priests came bearing the ark of the covenant (2 Samuel 15:24).
2. David sent them back to the city (2 Samuel 15:25-26).
1. If the Lord brings me back, I will see it again (2 Samuel 15:25).
2. If the Lord lets me fall, that is His choice (2 Samuel 15:26).
3. David requested that they send him word by their sons (2 Samuel 15:27-28).
4. The priests returned to Jerusalem with the ark (2 Samuel 15:29).
2. Davids Company Passed Mount Olivet (2 Samuel 15:30).
1. David mourned as he went.
2. The people with him mourned.
3. Hushai the Archite Stayed (2 Samuel 15:31-37).
1. David heard of the conspiracy of Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31); David prayed for the defeat of his counsel.
2. Hushai met David at the top of the mount (2 Samuel 15:32).
1. Where David worshipped God
2. He came with his coat rent and earth on his head.
3. David sent him back to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 15:33-34).
1. Hushai would be a burden in warfare (2 Samuel 15:33).
2. But he might be used to defeat Ahithophels counsel (2 Samuel 15:34).
4. David began to form a plan (2 Samuel 15:35-37).
1. Zadok and Abiathar could receive news from Hushai (2 Samuel 15:35).
2. Ahimaaz and Jonathan could bring it to David (2 Samuel 15:36).
3. Hushai went back to the city (2 Samuel 15:37).
5. DAVID SUFFERED REPROACH AS HE LEFT (2 Samuel 16:1-14)
1. Ziba Reported on Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 16:1-4).
1. Ziba met David with supplies for his servants (2 Samuel 16:1-2).
2. Ziba reported that Mephibosheth rejoiced in the rebellion (2 Samuel 16:3).
3. David promised to Ziba all things belonging to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 16:4).
2. Shimei Cursed David as He Left (2 Samuel 16:5-14).
1. Shimei, of the house of Saul, cursed David as he left (2 Samuel 16:5-8).
2. David refused to let Abishai kill Shimei (2 Samuel 16:9-14).
6. ABSALOM ENTERED JERUSALEM IN VICTORY (2 Samuel 16:15-23)
1. Absalom Entered Jerusalem with Ahithophel (2 Samuel 16:15).
2. Hushai Offered His Services to Absalom (2 Samuel 16:16-19).
3. Absalom Went into Davids Concubines (2 Samuel 16:20-23).

CONCLUSION: David continues to reap the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba. Now the entire kingdom must suffer as Absalom attempts to usurp the throne of his father. The cost of sin will always outweigh the temporary pleasure it offers.