2 Samuel 16 - 18 (17th May) - Li Juan

David and Ziba
David met Ziba; a false servant of Mephibosheth (David’s grandson) . He brought many items to David and found favor in his eyes. David then told him that all that belonged to Mephibosheth is now his.

Shimei curses David
Shimei (a man from the same clan as Saul) casted stones and cursed David and his officials and troops. Abishai was unhappy with the cursing and wanted to cut off his head, yet David stopped him because David knows the Lord has told him to do so.

The Advice of Hushai and Ahithophel
Ahithophel’s advices were like those inquired of God, hence David and Absalom always regarded his advices. He advised Absalom to lie with David’s concubines whom David left at the palace and David did. He suggested choosing 12000 men and setting out in pursuit of David, wanting to attack him when he is weak and bringing back all the other people unharmed.

However, Hushai was against the idea as David and his soldiers were well-known to be brave and experienced fighters. Instead, he advised to gather people from all of Israel to attack David wherever he may be. Absalom and all the men of Israel preferred Hushai’s advices, yet Hushai informed David about all that was happening. David led his men to cross the Jordan and escaped. Ahithophel committed suicide when his advice was not followed. David and his people went to Mahanaim and they were well fed and provided for.

Absalom’s Death
David sent out his troops in thirds, with Joab, Abishai and Ittai leading a third each. He wanted to march out with them yet upon request, he did not as his life was worth ten thousand of the men. He commanded the trios and their troops to be gentle with Absalom. In the forest of Ephraim, the army of Israel was totally defeated by David’s men. Absalom was riding his mule and his head got caught in a tree. Joab plunged 3 javelins in to his heart and his armor bearers struck and killed him. They threw Absalom into a big pit and piled a large pile of rocks over him. Absalom erected a Absalom’s Monument in the King’s Valley during his lifetime.

David Mourns
David was devastated when he heard about Absalom’s death, and he wept and mourned.