It is tempting to read these lengthy chapters as an amalgamation of various and somewhat unrelated episodes during David’s fleeing from Absalom. But the greater underlying purpose for these stories is to show a progression of David’s restoration as king. While it may seem that David’s kingship is in jeopardy, we are assured throughout this narrative that God is in control and working things for David’s good. Throughout the entire account of Absalom’s attempted coup, never once is he labeled or referred to as “the king” (I would argue that Hushai’s proclamation in 16:16 is masking his true allegiance to David). In fact, every time “the king” is mentioned in these chapters, it is in reference to David. As we glance at these various episodes, let’s briefly explore how each serves the purpose of David’s restoration:
- 16:1-4, David and Ziba: unable to discern truth and justice between Ziba’s deceiving offering, it is clear that David is still feeling the compromising effects of his sin on his conscience.
- 16:5-14, Shimei curses David: instead of putting Shimei to death for his insulting words, David labels these curses as God-ordained and receives them as continued punishment.
- 16:15-23, Absalom enters Jerusalem: Absalom publicly assaults David’s concubines as Nathan prophesied (12:11)- perhaps on the same rooftop that David saw Bathsheba?
- 17:1-29, Hushai saves David: God defeats Ahithophel’s counsel (v. 14), which would have crippled David and his discouraged forces at the time. Instead, Absalom follows Hushai’s counsel to wait which gives David time to make his narrow escape.
- 18:1-18, Absalom killed: Absalom’s demise is brought on by the entanglement of his hair in the Ephraim forest. The very source of his pride (14:25-26) became his ironic downfall. Joab fails to show mercy to Absalom despite David’s orders, not unlike his murder of Abner (3:27). David’s threat to the throne is again neutralized by his zealous general.
- 18:19-33, David grieves: When the attempts on David’s life and throne are thwarted, this ought to invoke joy and celebration- much like after the death of Saul- but David mourns instead. While his kingship is restored, it came at a great cost of losing yet another son. David find himself grieving both Absalom’s death and the ramifications of his sins.
- 19: 1-8a, Joab rebukes David: A “tough love” wake-up call to David to begin to prioritize his duties as king again. David’s disposition changes once he resumes the throne after this rebuke.
- 19:8b-43, David returns to Jerusalem and pardons his enemies: A long and detailed account of how David retraces his steps from his exile and conveys mercy to those he had come across along the way.
Reflect
God’s forgiveness and restoration of David was a long and harrowing road. Rather than a blanket, “cheap” grace administered, the LORD had David endure through all of these incidents as a way of sanctifying him. David’s sins were callousing the very heart that was after the LORD’s own. There are very real and grave consequences to sin and expelling God from our lives. Rather than banking on the depth of God’s grace to forgive even the most heinous of acts (Rom. 6:1-2), God shows the detrimental repercussions of self-love throughout the entire narrative of David’s second fleeing. As one scholar comments on this narrative, “Sin is never trivial, and grace is never cheap.” What are the patterns of sin in your own life? How do those patterns give way to damaging effects throughout the other parts of your life? Reflect on the grace of Christ that not only covers those sins, but restores us from its depths to wear his righteousness.
Connect
In the midst of David fleeing from Absalom, God provides a table and feast for David in the wilderness (17:27-29). Consider the added depth this context gives to Psalm 23:5.
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
– Rev. Nameun Cho