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. While Absalom was offering the sacrificesAbsalom's offering of sacrifices may have been a strategic move to gain religious legitimacy and public support. Sacrifices were central to Israelite worship, and by participating in them, Absalom could present himself as a pious leader. This act might also have been intended to invoke divine favor for his rebellion. The offering of sacrifices was a common practice in ancient Israel, often associated with covenant-making and seeking divine guidance or blessing. he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor
Ahithophel was a highly respected advisor to King David, known for his wisdom and insight. His defection to Absalom was a significant blow to David, as Ahithophel's counsel was considered almost as if one were consulting the word of God (2 Samuel 16:23). Ahithophel's hometown, Giloh, was located in the hill country of Judah, indicating his close proximity to the political center of Israel. His betrayal may have been motivated by personal grievances, possibly related to David's sin with Bathsheba, as Ahithophel was Bathsheba's grandfather. to come from his hometown of Giloh
Giloh was a town in the tribal territory of Judah, south of Jerusalem. Its mention highlights the geographical and tribal dynamics at play in Absalom's rebellion. The call for Ahithophel to join Absalom from Giloh signifies the strategic gathering of influential figures to support the coup. This move underscores the political maneuvering and alliances that were crucial in ancient Near Eastern power struggles. So the conspiracy gained strength
The conspiracy refers to Absalom's plot to overthrow his father, King David. The involvement of Ahithophel, a key figure in David's administration, lent credibility and strategic advantage to Absalom's cause. The phrase indicates the growing momentum of the rebellion, as more people were persuaded to join Absalom. This reflects the fragile nature of political power in ancient Israel, where loyalty could shift rapidly. and Absalom’s following kept increasing
Absalom's growing following suggests widespread discontent with David's rule or admiration for Absalom's charisma and leadership. Absalom had already won the hearts of many Israelites by presenting himself as a just and accessible leader (2 Samuel 15:1-6). This increase in support highlights the political and social dynamics of the time, where public opinion and personal loyalty played crucial roles in the success of a ruler. The narrative foreshadows the impending conflict between Absalom and David, a theme that resonates with the broader biblical motif of familial and political strife. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbsalomThe son of King David, who conspires against his father to take over the throne of Israel. His actions are central to the account of rebellion and betrayal. 2. AhithophelA wise and respected counselor of King David, known for his astute advice. His defection to Absalom's side marks a significant turning point in the conspiracy. 3. GilohThe hometown of Ahithophel, located in the hill country of Judah. It is significant as the place from which Ahithophel is summoned to join Absalom. 4. DavidThe reigning king of Israel, father of Absalom, and a man after God's own heart. His leadership is challenged by his own son. 5. ConspiracyThe plot led by Absalom to overthrow King David, which gains momentum as influential figures like Ahithophel join. Teaching Points The Danger of AmbitionAbsalom's ambition leads him to betray his father, illustrating how unchecked ambition can lead to destructive actions. The Influence of CounselAhithophel's role as a counselor shows the power and influence of advice. It reminds us to seek godly counsel and be wary of those who may lead us astray. The Pain of BetrayalDavid's experience with Ahithophel highlights the deep hurt caused by betrayal, encouraging us to find healing and forgiveness through God. God's Sovereignty in TrialsDespite the conspiracy against him, David's account reminds us that God is sovereign and can bring good out of difficult situations. The Importance of LoyaltyThe account encourages believers to remain loyal to God and His appointed leaders, even when tempted by personal gain. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Absalom's ambition reflect the dangers of seeking power for personal gain, and how can we guard against similar temptations in our lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure that the counsel we receive aligns with God's will, and how can we discern between godly and ungodly advice? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced betrayal. How did you find healing, and what biblical principles helped you through that process? 4. How does David's response to the conspiracy demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty, and how can we apply this trust in our own trials? 5. What lessons can we learn from the loyalty (or lack thereof) displayed by the characters in this account, and how can we cultivate loyalty in our relationships with God and others? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 41:9This verse speaks of betrayal by a close friend, which can be connected to Ahithophel's betrayal of David. John 13:18Jesus references Psalm 41:9 in relation to Judas Iscariot, drawing a parallel between Ahithophel's betrayal of David and Judas' betrayal of Jesus. Proverbs 27:6This proverb highlights the pain of betrayal by a friend, which is relevant to the relationship between David and Ahithophel. People Abiathar, Absalom, Ahimaaz, Ahithophel, Aram, Arkite, Cherethites, David, Gittites, Hushai, Israelites, Ittai, Jonathan, Kerethites, Levites, Pelethites, ZadokPlaces Aram, Gath, Geshur, Giloh, Hebron, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mount of OlivesTopics Absalom, Absalom's, Ahithophel, Conspiracy, Counselor, David's, Gained, Giloh, Gilonite, Hometown, Increasing, Kept, Offering, Sacrifices, Strength, StrongDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 15:12 5780 advisers 2 Samuel 15:1-13 5937 rivalry 2 Samuel 15:7-12 5468 promises, human
8830 suspicion 2 Samuel 15:10-12 5355 invitations
5817 conspiracies
7236 Israel, united kingdom Library A Loyal Vow
'And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 15. We stand here at the darkest hour of King David's life. Bowed down by the consciousness of his past sin, and recognising in the rebellion of his favourite son the divine chastisement, his early courage and buoyant daring seem to have ebbed from him wholly. He is forsaken by the mass of his subjects, he is preparing to abandon Jerusalem, and to flee as an …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureIttai of Gath
'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.'--2 SAMUEL xv. 21. It was the darkest hour in David's life. No more pathetic page is found in the Old Testament than that which tells the story of his flight before Absalom. He is crushed by the consciousness that his punishment is deserved--the bitter fruit of the sin that filled all his later life …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Pardoned Sin Punished
'And It came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. 2. 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 …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Loyal to the Core
On the other hand, look at Ittai, perfectly free to go, but in order to end the controversy once for all, and to make David know that he does not mean to leave him, he takes a solemn oath before Jehovah his God, and he doubles it by swearing by the life of David that he will never leave him; in life, in death, he will be with him. He has cast in his lot with him for better and for worse, and he means to be faithful to the end. Old Master Trapp says, "All faithful friends went on a pilgrimage years …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 26: 1880 Following Christ
"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."--2 Samuel 15:21. SOME men have a very remarkable power of creating and sustaining friendship in others. David was a man brimming over with affection--a man, notwithstanding all his rough soldier-life, of an exceedingly tender heart--a man, I was about to say--the word was on my tongue--a man of vast …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916 The Will of God
"Here am I, let Him do to me as seemeth good unto Him."--2 Sam. xv. 26. G. Ter Steegen. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 Thou sweet beloved Will of God, My anchor ground, my fortress hill, The Spirit's silent fair abode, In Thee I hide me and am still. O Will, that willest good alone, Lead Thou the way, Thou guidest best; A silent child, I follow on, And trusting, lean upon Thy Breast. God's Will doth make the bitter sweet, And all is well when it is done; Unless His Will doth hallow it, The glory …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) A Light to Lighten the Gentiles
P. G. 2 Sam. xv. 19-22; John xii. 26 "Wherefore goest thou with me?" Said the king disowned-- Said the king despised, rejected, Disenthroned. "Go, return unto thy place, To thy king of yore-- Here a pilgrim and a stranger, Nothing more. "Not for thee the cities fair, Hills of corn and wine-- All was portioned ere thou camest, Nought is thine. "Wandering forth where'er I may, Exiled from mine own, Shame, rejection I can grant thee; That alone. "Turn and take thy brethren back, With thy people …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ).
Thrice happy they who at Thy side, Thou Child of Nazareth, Have learnt to give their struggling pride Into Thy hands to death: If thus indeed we lay us low, Thou wilt exalt us o'er the foe; And let the exaltation be That we are lost in Thee. Let me say a little on a subject which, like the last, is one of some delicacy and difficulty, though its problems are of a very different kind. It is, the relation between the Curate and his Incumbent; or more particularly, the Curate's position and conduct …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken Formerly, this was the Second Time of Its Desolation. A Brief Account of Its History.
1. And thus was Jerusalem taken, in the second year of the reign of Vespasian, on the eighth day of the month Gorpeius [Elul]. It had been taken five [34] times before, though this was the second time of its desolation; for Shishak, the king of Egypt, and after him Antiochus, and after him Pompey, and after them Sosius and Herod, took the city, but still preserved it; but before all these, the king of Babylon conquered it, and made it desolate, one thousand four hundred and sixty-eight years and …
Flavius Josephus—The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 15:12 NIV2 Samuel 15:12 NLT2 Samuel 15:12 ESV2 Samuel 15:12 NASB2 Samuel 15:12 KJV
2 Samuel 15:12 Commentaries
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