◄ 2 Samuel 16:15 ►
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him.
Study Bible
Then Absalom
The name "Absalom" in Hebrew is "אַבְשָׁלוֹם" (Avshalom), meaning "father of peace." Ironically, Absalom's actions were far from peaceful, as he led a rebellion against his father, King David. This highlights the tragic nature of his character—a man whose name promised peace but whose life was marked by conflict and betrayal. Absalom's entry into Jerusalem signifies a pivotal moment in his rebellion, as he seeks to usurp the throne from his father.

and all the men of Israel
This phrase indicates the widespread support Absalom had garnered across the nation. The term "all the men of Israel" suggests a significant following, reflecting Absalom's charisma and ability to sway public opinion. Historically, this moment underscores the deep divisions within the kingdom of Israel, as many were willing to follow Absalom despite David's established rule. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of human loyalty and the ease with which it can be manipulated.

came to Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound historical and spiritual significance. It was the political and religious center of Israel, symbolizing God's covenant with David. Absalom's arrival in Jerusalem is not just a physical movement but a symbolic act of claiming authority and legitimacy. The city, which was meant to be a place of divine order and peace, becomes a stage for political upheaval and familial strife.

and Ahithophel
Ahithophel, whose name means "brother of folly" or "my brother is foolishness," was a counselor to King David and known for his wisdom. His defection to Absalom's side is a significant betrayal, highlighting the personal and political complexities of the rebellion. Ahithophel's involvement with Absalom adds a layer of strategic acumen to the rebellion, as his counsel was highly esteemed. This betrayal serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of even the wisest to personal grievances and ambition.

was with him
The presence of Ahithophel with Absalom underscores the gravity of the situation. It indicates that Absalom's rebellion was not just a youthful revolt but a serious challenge to David's kingship, backed by experienced and influential figures. This phrase also reflects the theme of loyalty and betrayal that runs throughout the narrative, as those who were once allies of David now stand with his adversary. It serves as a sobering reminder of the shifting allegiances in human relationships and the importance of discernment and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Absalom
The third son of King David, who led a rebellion against his father to seize the throne of Israel. His actions were driven by ambition and a desire for power.

2. Ahithophel
A highly esteemed counselor of King David, who defected to support Absalom's rebellion. His betrayal was significant due to his previous loyalty and wisdom.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, representing the political and spiritual center of the nation. Absalom's entry into Jerusalem symbolizes his temporary success in the rebellion.

4. The Men of Israel
Refers to the followers of Absalom who supported his claim to the throne, indicating a significant division within the nation.

5. David
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, King David is a central figure in the account, representing the legitimate and God-anointed king of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Ambition
Absalom's ambition led him to rebel against God's anointed king, resulting in division and conflict. Ambition unchecked by godly wisdom can lead to destructive outcomes.

The Pain of Betrayal
Ahithophel's betrayal of David serves as a reminder of the deep hurt caused by those we trust. It calls us to seek healing and forgiveness through Christ.

The Sovereignty of God
Despite Absalom's temporary success, God's sovereign plan for David's kingship ultimately prevailed. Trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem dire.

The Importance of Loyalty
Ahithophel's shift in loyalty underscores the value of steadfastness and faithfulness. As believers, we are called to remain loyal to God and His purposes.

The Role of Jerusalem
As the center of worship and governance, Jerusalem's significance in this account points to the importance of maintaining spiritual and moral integrity in leadership.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Absalom's ambition reflect the dangers of seeking power without regard for God's will? Can you identify similar situations in today's world?

2. In what ways can we guard against betrayal in our own relationships, and how should we respond if we experience it?

3. How does the account of Absalom and Ahithophel illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions?

4. What lessons can we learn from David's response to betrayal and rebellion, and how can we apply these lessons in our own lives?

5. How does the theme of loyalty in this passage connect to other biblical teachings on faithfulness and commitment?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 41:9
This verse speaks of betrayal by a close friend, which can be connected to Ahithophel's betrayal of David. It highlights the pain of being betrayed by someone trusted.

2 Samuel 15:12
Provides context for Ahithophel's defection to Absalom, showing the strategic and calculated nature of the rebellion.

John 13:18
Jesus references betrayal by a close associate, drawing a parallel to David's experience with Ahithophel, emphasizing the theme of betrayal throughout Scripture.
Sermons
An Inconsistent FriendB. Dale 2 Samuel 16:15-19
Absalom in CouncilW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 16:15-23
The Character of AbsalomBishop Dehon.2 Samuel 16:15-23
People
Abishai, Absalom, Ahithophel, Arkite, David, Gera, Hushai, Mephibosheth, Saul, Shimei, Zeruiah, Ziba
Places
Bahurim, Jerusalem
Topics
Absalom, Ab'salom, Ahithophel, Ahith'ophel, Entered, Jerusalem
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 16:14

     5582   tiredness

Library
But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind...
8. But although patience be a virtue of the mind, yet partly the mind exercises it in the mind itself, partly in the body. In itself it exercises patience, when, the body remaining unhurt and untouched, the mind is goaded by any adversities or filthinesses of things or words, to do or to say something that is not expedient or not becoming, and patiently bears all evils that it may not itself commit any evil in work or word. By this patience we bear, even while we be sound in body, that in the midst …
St. Augustine—On Patience

Nob. Bahurim.
That Nob was placed in the land of Benjamin, not far from Jerusalem, whence Jerusalem also might be seen,--the words of the Chaldee paraphrast, upon Isaiah 10:32, do argue. For so he speaks; "Sennacherib came and stood in Nob, a city of the priests, before the walls of Jerusalem; and said to his army, 'Is not this the city of Jerusalem, against which I have raised my whole army, and have subdued all the provinces of it? Is it not small and weak in comparison of all the fortifications of the Gentiles, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

David and Jonathan's Son
'And David said, is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan's sake? 2. And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him, Art thou Ziba? And he said, Thy servant is he. 3. And the king said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saul, that I may shew the kindness of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, Jonathan hath yet a son, which is lame on his feet. 4. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Godly are in Some Sense Already Blessed
I proceed now to the second aphorism or conclusion, that the godly are in some sense already blessed. The saints are blessed not only when they are apprehended by God, but while they are travellers to glory. They are blessed before they are crowned. This seems a paradox to flesh and blood. What, reproached and maligned, yet blessed! A man that looks upon the children of God with a carnal eye and sees how they are afflicted, and like the ship in the gospel which was covered with waves' (Matthew 8:24), …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
Massecheth Berachoth, or Tractate on Benedictions [76] Mishnah--From what time is the "Shema" said in the evening? From the hour that the priests entered to eat of their therumah [77] until the end of the first night watch. [78] These are the words of Rabbi Eliezer. But the sages say: Till midnight. Rabban Gamaliel says: Until the column of the morning (the dawn) rises. It happened, that his sons came back from a banquet. They said to him: "We have not said the Shema.'" He said to them, "If the column …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Meditations for one that is Like to Die.
If thy sickness be like to increase unto death, then meditate on three things:--First, How graciously God dealeth with thee. Secondly, From what evils death will free thee. Thirdly, What good death will bring unto thee. The first sort of Meditations are, to consider God's favourable dealing with thee. 1. Meditate that God uses this chastisement of thy body but as a medicine to cure thy soul, by drawing thee, who art sick in sin, to come by repentance unto Christ, thy physician, to have thy soul healed …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

No Sorrow Like Messiah's Sorrow
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see, if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow! A lthough the Scriptures of the Old Testament, the law of Moses, the Psalms, and the Prophecies (Luke 24:44) , bear an harmonious testimony to MESSIAH ; it is not necessary to suppose that every single passage has an immediate and direct relation to Him. A method of exposition has frequently obtained [frequently been in vogue], of a fanciful and allegorical cast [contrivance], under the pretext …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

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

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