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MAY 22

May 22
15:10–12 Absalom formed a conspiracy,
which included taking some of the leading
2 Samuel 15:1–16:23
men to create the impression that the king
After this it happened that Absalom pro- supported this action and was in his old age
15 vided himself with chariots and horses, sharing the kingdom. All of this was a subtle
and fifty men to run before him. Now disguise so Absalom could have freedom to
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Absalom would rise early and stand beside the plan his revolution. Absalom was able to do
way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone this against his father not merely because of
who had a lawsuit came to the king for a deci- his cleverness, but also because of the laxness
sion, that Absalom would call to him and say, of his father (1 Kin. 1:6).
“What city are you from?” And he would say,
“Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Absalom went two hundred men invited from Je-
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Israel.” Then Absalom would say to him, rusalem, and they went along innocently and did
“Look, your case is good and right; but there is not know anything. Then Absalom sent for
12
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no deputy of the king to hear you.” Moreover Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from
Absalom would say, “Oh, that I were made his city—from Giloh—while he offered sacrifices.
judge in the land, and everyone who has any And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people
suit or cause would come to me; then I would with Absalom continually increased in number.
give him justice.” And so it was, whenever 13 Now a messenger came to David, saying,
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anyone came near to bow down to him, that he “The hearts of the men of Israel are with
would put out his hand and take him and kiss Absalom.”
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him. In this manner Absalom acted toward all 14 So David said to all his servants who were
Israel who came to the king for judgment. So with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us flee,
Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. or we shall not escape from Absalom. Make
haste to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly
and bring disaster upon us, and strike the city
with the edge of the sword.”
15 And the king’s servants said to the king,
15:1–6 stole the hearts.Public hearings were
always conducted early in the morning in a “We are your servants, ready to do whatever
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court held outside by the city gates. Absalom my lord the king commands.” Then the king
positioned himself there to win favor.Because went out with all his household after him. But
King David was busy with other matters or the king left ten women, concubines, to keep
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with wars, and was also aging, many matters the house. And the king went out with all the
were left unresolved, building a deep feeling people after him, and stopped at the outskirts.
of resentment among the people. Absalom 18 Then all his servants passed before him; and
used that situation to undermine his father,by all the Cherethites, all the Pelethites, and all
gratifying all he could with a favorable settle- the Gittites, six hundred men who had fol-
ment and showing them all warm cordiality. lowed him from Gath, passed before the king.
Thus, he won the people to himself, without 19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite,
them knowing his wicked ambition. “Why are you also going with us? Return and
remain with the king. For you are a foreigner
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and also an exile from your own place. In
7 Now it came to pass after forty years that fact, you came only yesterday. Should I make
Absalom said to the king, “Please, let me go to you wander up and down with us today, since
Hebron and pay the vow which I made to the I go I know not where? Return, and take your
LORD. For your servant took a vow while I brethren back. Mercy and truth be with you.”
8
dwelt at Geshur in Syria, saying, ‘If the LORD 21 But Ittai answered the king and said, “As
indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives,
will serve the LORD.’ ” surely in whatever place my lord the king
9 And the king said to him, “Go in peace.” So shall be, whether in death or life, even there
he arose and went to Hebron. also your servant will be.”
10 22
Then Absalom sent spies throughout all So David said to Ittai, “Go, and cross over.”
the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you Then Ittai the Gittite and all his men and all
hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall the little ones who were with him crossed over.
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say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’ ” And with 23 And all the country wept with a loud voice,
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