ABSALOM SERIES: THE ASSASSINATION PLOT

In 2 Samuel 16, we saw the painful prophecy from God via Nathan the prophet continued to be fulfilled. Now in chapter 17, the dastardly deed of Absalom against his father, King David, continues.

Having given Absalom advice, which he followed, Ahithophel further requested permission from Absalom to pursue King David with twelve thousand men during the night. He felt the king and people would be tired and fearful concerning the insurrection, and he would be able to overtake them and kill the king. Additionally, Ahithophel thought once the king was dead, he could return all the people unharmed back to Jerusalem.

This plan was favorable to Absalom and the elders of Israel; however, before it was executed, he called for Hushai the Archite to hear what he thought. Absalom told Hushai Ahithophel’s plan, and fortunately, Hushai used flattery and tact to persuade Absalom not to follow it. Instead, Hushai convinced Absalom to lead men of war gathered from Dan to Beersheba to fight against King David. To assist him in this venture, Absalom appointed Amasa captain of his army, and after gathering the army, they crossed Jordan and pitched in Gilead.

As planned, Hushai reported the plot and what the king ought to do to the priest who sent this information by their sons to King David. While enroute to King David, Jonathan and Ahimaaz had to hide in a well covered with corn to escape being captured by Absalom’s servants.

After receiving the report, King David and company crossed over Jordan and traveled to Mahanaim. Once again, provisions and furnishings were brought to King David by his faithful supporters, Shobi the son of Nahash, Machir the son of Ammiel, and Barzillai the Gileadite.

Sensing the downfall of Absalom’s brief reign and the retribution that would befall him for aligning with Absalom, the chapter ends with Ahithophel putting affairs in order and committing suicide.

For more details than the summary I provided, I recommend reading chapter 17. Now here are some truths (spiritual nuggets) that I gained from this chapter:

Your enemy’s desire is your demise.

God will foil the plot of the enemy.

God answers the prayers of the righteous.

One decision can turn a planned victory into a failure.

Mighty warriors are known for their exploits.

Experience warriors prepare for the attacks of their enemies.

Don’t underestimate your foe.

Words spoken eloquently can change the minds of the hearers.

God will protect you from the enemy.

When a leader dies, people often scatter.

God will cause you to be hidden in unexpected places.

When you receive survival information, follow it.

Move out of harm’s way.

Though you are on the run, God has people concerned about you, and they will support you.

Everyone is not your enemy.

When needed, there are people around that are willing to help and protect you.

When you have the means, assist those in need.

God is a provider.

As I’ve done in the previous blogs of this series, I will close by sharing from this chapter some key characteristics of those who exhibit an Absalom spirit:

Those with the Spirit of Absalom’s ultimate goal is to kill leadership.

Those with the Spirit of Absalom are moved by flattery.

Those with the Spirit of Absalom love public recognition.

Those with the Spirit of Absalom like to have prestigious people as their associates.