2 Samuel 15:13-37

2 Samuel 15:13-37

Due to the threat that Absalom posed by declaring himself as king in Hebron, David knew that he would soon begin to make his way back to Jerusalem. Because of the fear of what Absalom could do to David and his people, David thought it best to get out of Jerusalem while he still could. He had received reports of what Absalom had done, and he also knew that the people of Israel were being swayed by Absalom. Although David was the king of Israel, he saw that some political powers were shifting, and once again, he found himself on the run. Yet even as David was leaving Jerusalem, there were those around him who mourned his departure. No one knew where David was going (not even David knew), and they all feared their uncertain future. So there were still many people who were faithful to David, but Absalom was still a major threat.


In the midst of these tragic events, there was one young man who stood out above the rest. He had joined David’s staff just the day before David made the decision to leave Jerusalem. He was dedicated to David and was ready to do anything that was asked of him. So when the rest of David’s servants began to pack up and head out with David, this young man left as well. Seeing this, David questioned why he was leaving. David knew that this young man had just left his home to come and serve in Jerusalem, and he did not want to ask him to pack up and leave again to an uncertain future. But the young man replied by showing his dedication to not only David but God as well. He knew what he signed up for from the start, and even though his time in Jerusalem had been short, he was ready for whatever and wherever God was leading him.

As 2 Samuel 15 came to end, the political tides were shifting. Absalom began to make his way toward Jerusalem, and by the end of the chapter he was entering the city. David on the other hand was trying to get everything in order. He left his priest with the Ark of the Covenant in the city. He also moved around some of his most trusted men, sending some back to the city so that he could receive reports from them. Others remained with him, as he began his journey away from Jerusalem. At the same time, he received word of some conspirators among him, other than Absalom. So he went to God for advice and for help. David was prepared to do whatever God commanded. If that meant that he would never return to Jerusalem, then he was prepared to accept that. If it meant that he was to prepare for battle against his son, he was ready. Amidst all of the confusion and turmoil, David showed what it meant to trust in God. Even though he had no idea where he was going, what he would be doing, or if he would ever regain control of the kingdom, he knew that God had a plan. God would get him through this challenging time, and it was up to him to depend on God.

Matt