2 Samuel 15
The culmination of familial tension in the children of David results in Absalom desiring to take throne from under David while he still lives. Absalom does this in a way that should scare us, yet not surprise us; wooing the crowds. He target those who are vulnerable to his proclamation of being a wise judge or someone of leadership. He paints himself as someone with power by rolling up in a chariot with horses and men to go in front of him, and his actions in themselves towards the men of Israel all conclude in the devastating news to David, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom” (2 Samuel 15:13).
Before we get into David’s response, its important to recall back to why Absalom is doing this. Through what he believes to have rightfully killed his brother in vengeance for the raping of his sister, he is exiled… bitterness stricken by what seems to be punishment unto the avenger. Not only did David do nothing to right the wrong done to Tamar, but he also sent the rightful heir to the throne away from his presence. Though Absalom needs no more explaining as a deceptive and wicked man, we at least know why he is doing this. Some of the men closest to David even sided with Absalom on the matter.
David responds by taking his whole household out of the city and into the desert to flee whatever consequences (or conflict) there may be in fighting Absalom with the men of Jerusalem on his side. His procession is described in numerous ways primarily being that of morning and repentance, a mixed bag of national representation, and loyalty. Firstly, why were they morning? David knew he was reaping the consequences of his sin. His passivity towards his children and neglect of his son was what he believed to be displeasing to the Lord (v.25-26). Therefore he walks up the Mount of Olives barefoot and with a head covering; symbols of mourning and repentance. Furthermore, his own son has turned against him and seeks to usurp him from the throne which mandates its own degree of mourning as well.
Secondly, the author makes a point of highlighting the many groups of people who joined the march out of the city. Kerethites, Pelethites, and everyone who had been following him since his days in Gath, along with the Levites. Aside from the priestly tribe, these were mostly foreigners, embodied beautifully by the man Ittai. David, in his downcast and ashamed state, even denies himself as king before this foreigner and proclaims he go be with the Absalom in the safety of the city. Ittai responds: “As surely as the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be (v.21). This is a public and decisive proclamation of loyalty from a foreigner to his king. Which leads us to the last trait of the procession: loyalty.
Ittai knows this could mean his life, and in the words of one commentator from Enduring Word Bible Commentary points out “true loyalty isn’t demonstrated until it is likely to cost something to be loyal” (Guzik, 2018). The priest Zadok, his sons, Abiathoar, and Hushai would go on to help David in this time of soul reconciliation and political retaliation, but primarily the first of those describes David’s response. David ultimately decides his loyalty is to the Lord, whatever that may be.
If we were to envision ourselves to be king or queen over a nation, have our child attempt to usurp us from the throne while being fueled by the bitterness stemming from our sin, and now on the run for possibly our lives’ sake… How quick are we to say “let him [God] do to me whatever seems good to him” (v.26b)? Praise God we aren’t just thrown into thought experiments like this in real life. No, instead, He knows exactly where we are in our sanctification process, and what we can bare as His servant and child. Sometimes it will mean our life. Before we get there though, the cost might start at our social status, our position in an institution, a job maybe, or a friend. Whatever the cost maybe, we can take heart in a similar yet so much greater form than David, because our hope is in Christ.
Meditate on the goodness of remaining strong in the faith and loyal to our Lord Jesus. Remember the reward we are promised with our Father in Heaven.
