King James Bible Study – [Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.]
Date: Monday, May 16, 2022
Chapters: 2 SAMUEL 15-17
Study: The Chastening Is Over
Hello My Friend,
I was thinking as I read the chapters for today how much God does intervene, even when we do make those decisions that cause some problems. Yes, He will chasten us, but it is not forever, and He will only chasten us so far, and is never life threatening, [2 Corinthians 7:9-11 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.]
As you read the chapters for today, something else comes to mind when you consider how God had told David that all of these things were going to happen as a result of his transgressions with Bathsheba and Uriah, God already knew that Absalom was a pretty wicked guy. Remember, we all make our own choices, Absalom did not need what happened between Tamar and Amnon to conspire against his own father, it was just the fuel that he needed to do what he had thought about doing for quite some time. As we continue in the reading of 2 Samuel, we learn of Absalom’s plan to take the throne from his father.
[2 Samuel 15:2–7 And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. 3 And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of the king to hear thee. 4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! 5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. 6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 7 And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.]
[and I would do him justice!] Absalom sounds an awful lot like our politicians of today, and do you know why they succeed? Politicians are very good at promising to give the people the things they need, like free healthcare, food, homes, education, and by the time the people figure out that there is the price of their freedoms for all that free stuff, the politicians have destroyed the country. [And it came to pass after forty years,] this does not mean that Absalom conspired all this for forty years. This was the amount of time that it took from the change of the government under Saul, into a monarchy, which was about ten years before David began to reign. So, this all came to pass in the thirtieth year of David’s reign, it took Absalom about four years to get Israel on his side, meaning every tribe, but Judah, once he returned to Jerusalem. Well, Absalom’s plan was in action, he managed to get one of David’s top advisers on his side, Ahithophel.
[2 Samuel 15:11-14,16 And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing. 12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. 13 And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. 14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword. 16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, which were concubines, to keep the house.]
[and smite the city with the edge of the sword.] You see, David was not really running from his son, he was trying to keep the city from being destroyed. So, he and pretty much all of Judah, followed him out of the city, and headed toward the Jordan River, on his journey, he discovered something else, he even had some of the Canaanites on his side. When some of the Gittites started following him as they were passing by, he asked them why.
[2 Samuel 15:18-21 And all his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men which came after him from Gath, passed on before the king. 19 Then said the king to Ittai the Gittite, Wherefore goest thou also with us? return to thy place, and abide with the king: for thou art a stranger, and also an exile. 20 Whereas thou camest but yesterday, should I this day make thee go up and down with us? seeing I go whither I may, return thou, and take back thy brethren: mercy and truth be with thee. 21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, As the LORD liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, surely in what place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.]
[whether in death or life, even there also will thy servant be.] Did you realize that anyone who receives Christ as their Saviour are actually exiles here on earth? Our real home is in heaven, until Jesus returns, [1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.]
Absalom had time to carry out this plan because David was wrong in how he handled the entire situation. Had he addressed it properly, first, by going to God, then putting aside his feelings as a father to act as king, fully understanding of the law, and enforcing it. However, David did have a plan, and this time it was the right plan. And for the first time since the whole thing started, we hear of David truly crying out to God for help.
[2 Samuel 15:30-34,37 And David went up by the ascent of mount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. 31 And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. 32 And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head: 33 Unto whom David said, If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me: 34 But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father’s servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. 37 So Hushai David’s friend came into the city, and Absalom came into Jerusalem.]
[and they went up, weeping as they went up.] Do you see how we can get so wrapped up in the guilt of our past that we hinder the present? All of this might have a different outcome had David gone to God when it all started. Remember, this was what God had predicted would happen, and any time, David could have gone to God and prevented some of the things from happening. I imagine that he felt the same way that all God’s faithful do when they know they have failed God, thinking that whatever befalls them is their own fault, and they just have to deal with it on their own until it comes to pass. Remember, also, God will forgive all our sin, but we must be willing to forgive, and that includes ourselves. If we do not forgive ourselves for our own tresspasses, then God will not forgive us either, [Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.]
Absalom was David’s third eldest son, and next in line to the throne, if he had done everything right he would have rightfully been the next king, but he was not willing to receive the crown by growing in God as David did. David on the other hand, more concerned about his people, and as he made his way up to Mt. Olivet, a man began cursing him, who actually opened his eyes even more to the fact that he had never addressed, even his own transgressions properly with God.
[2 Samuel 16:5,7-9,11-12 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. 7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: 8 The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man. 9 Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head. 11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him. 12 It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.]
[It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction,] Finally, David, starts coming to his senses, it really is no doubt that he had been praying to God as he always has, but again, I imagine it was like all God’s faithful do, they are praying for others and not necessarily themselves, thinking that whatever befalls them is their own fault, and they just have to deal with it on their own until it comes to pass. God, does not want us to be that way, He wants us to come to Him for everything, [Isaiah 1:18-20 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.]
Now, while David was getting his act together, coming to his senses, and seeking help from God, Absalom was trying to figure out how he can officially take the throne from his father, even willing to kill him if that meant that he would be king. David, sends Hushai, his second top adviser over to Absalom to check back, but first, Absalom asks Ahithophel what he should do.
[2 Samuel 16:15-16,20-21,23 And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king. 20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do. 21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong. 23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.]
[Go in unto thy father’s concubines,] Remember, what Nathan had told David? [2 Samuel 12:11-12 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.] Well, that is where the chastening stopped, and now, God would step in before anything else escalated, [Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.]
[was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God:] Absalom, was convinced that since the two most trusted advisers in the nation were on his side, and the Ark as well, that it was a blessing from God. Likewise, since both of these men were well know by the people, they just assumed it was God also. We are to never assume that every bad thing that happens is approved by God or from God. Remember, Satan had a stake in this also, it was from David’s lineage that God would send His Son, but he had no idea which son, if he could stop God’s plan, then he would certainly make sure that everything that was going on was from God. However, that was not the case, and all God was waiting for was David to come to his senses and realize that He was still with Him and looking upon his affliction. Ahithophel, came up with another ridiculous plan, this time Absalom was not so quick to follow his advice.
[2 Samuel 17:1-5 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: 2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only: 3 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace. 4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel. 5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.]
[And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed,] Can you see now why Ahithophel was so quick to sell David out, not to mention kill him? He wanted to be the one recognized with all the praise. Well, this was God’s plan, and He was not about to let anyone overthrow it. When Hushai gave his advice, it was directed by God, and God will show us why as we read the passage.
[2 Samuel 17:11-14,23 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person. 12 So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one. 13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there. 14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom. 23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.]
[to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.] Hushai’s advice was to let the whole congregation see Absalom lead the victory of taking on his own father. Can you understand now that God knew all along what Absalom was capable of? This really had nothing to do with David’s transgressions or how he handled the situation with Amnon, God used it as a way to both show how evil Absalom was from the start, and to bring David to make peace with himself over what he had done. God does not want us to suffer forever, there is a time for suffering, but even then, He is still with us, He will never make us suffer more than we are can handle, [1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You for Your gift of eternal life, no law is required to be saved from my sins, but that I admit I am a sinner, believe in the Gospel of Your Son, and accept Him as my Saviour. Not only am I saved, I am one of Your anointed. I know that You want me to live the best life I can possibly live until you bring me home, and that includes any chastening in order to keep me repentant and completely dependent upon you through every step I take. I know Your chastening does not last, and through it You teach me, grow me, and turn me into a reflection of Your Son. Lord, Try me, prove me, and if there be any wicked way in me, lead me in the way everlasting. I also know that You do have an expected end to any suffering I face and will help me bear it all when I come to You. Let me not be ashamed or afraid to come to You, fill me with Your mercy, grace, and the power to endure any chastening, whether it be of my own doing or in well doing. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus, Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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