Report of Absalom’s rebellion

Someone loyal to David brought news that Absalom had started a rebellion in Hebron and that the hearts of the people of Israel were turning toward him. (1) This report came as a complete shock to David and his servants. It shows just how cleverly David’s advisor, Ahithophel, had maneuvered behind the scenes. (2) David immediately instructed all his servants to flee from Jerusalem. (3) His decision to do so was likely to prevent a bloody conflict within the city and to buy time to gather troops to fight against the rebellion. It is also believed that David recognized his own sin as the ultimate cause of this uprising. (4) When the king and all the people who followed him arrived at the house on the outskirts of the city, they paused there to rest and prepare to cross the Mount of Olives. (5) However, David left ten concubines behind to take care of the palace. Since they were not his official wives, there was little concern that they would be assassinated.

Subordinates obedient to David

When David proposed fleeing the city, his servants responded, “Behold, your servants will do whatever my lord the king chooses.” (1) They understood that David was not acting out of cowardice, but with deliberate wisdom and discernment. (2) They loved David. (3) They believed that in time, David would raise an army and return to Jerusalem. They placed their full trust in his judgment. There also was a time during the public ministry of the Lord Jesus when many people turned away from Him. When He asked His disciples, “You do not want to leave also, do you?” Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. And we have already believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). Amid many who do not recognize the worth of the Lord Jesus, can you still confess, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” Blessed is the one who can profess their trust in the Lord at all times.