2 Samuel | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

2 SAMUEL 16

ABSALOM’S WICKEDNESS ON DISPLAY

David flees from Jerusalem to avoid war with his son, Absalom.

Ziba, one of Mephibosheth’s servants, brings David donkeys, bread, fruit, and wine. Ziba wants Israel to return under David’s kingship, not Absalom’s or Mephibosheth’s. David thanks Ziba by giving him all that belonged to Mephibosheth.

David travels to Bahurim and meets Shimei, a descendant of Saul who hates David. Shimei insults David and throws rocks at him, shouting at him to go away. Abishai, one of David’s men, offers to kill Shimei for insulting the king, but David prevents him.

Absalom and his army arrive in Jerusalem. Hushai, David’s spy, pretends to show allegiance to Absalom instead of David. Ahithophel, who had previously been David’s advisor, gives Absalom terrible advice: to sleep with David’s concubines as a sign of disgrace to his father. Absalom takes this advice and sleeps with David’s concubines publicly for all of Israel to witness.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Both David and Absalom face critical moments in this chapter. What differences do you notice in how each one handles power and advice from others?