Category Archives: Readings

Absalom discards Ahithophel’s counsel in favor of the plan of Hushai. David’s spies are almost caught, but saved by a quick-thinking woman. Ahithophel, like Judas, commits suicide as the armies of David and Absalom face off east of the Jordan … Continue reading →

David’s flight from the city of Jerusalem gives an opportunity to see who his real friends are. His weak position gives other enemies opportunity to direct their resentments at him. Old grievances come to the surface, and true loyalties are … Continue reading →

Absalom works to garner support by being a populist “man of the people.” He launches his rebellion from Hebron, causing David to flee from Jerusalem. King David then finds out who his real friends are. Notes on 2 Samuel 15:1-37

Joab, King David’s general and advisor, sets up a ruse to play on David’s emotions and persuade him to bring his son Absalom back from exile. David finally agrees, but Absalom is still not reconciled, which nurtures a spirit of … Continue reading →

Nathan’s prophecy of judgment on David’s house continues as David’s son Amnon rapes his sister Tamar, which enrages her other brother Absalom and plants a seed of revenge and rebellion. Notes on 2 Samuel 13:1-39

The prophet Nathan tells David a parable that is really an allegory for David’s adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. David confesses and repents of his sin, and Psalm 51 describes the depth of his repentance. God forgives … Continue reading →

King David’s moral failure with Bathsheba as well as his arranged murder of her husband Uriah, left a stain on his name, the kingdom and God’s Law. It gives us a picture of the progression of sin in our own … Continue reading →