2 Samuel | Chapter Summaries + Study QuestionsSample

2 SAMUEL 15

ABSALOM’S BETRAYAL OF DAVID

What seems like a sweet reunion between Absalom and David is really just a trick! Absalom, David’s estranged son, is not trying to make peace. Instead, he is conspiring to take David’s throne. Absalom collects horses and chariots to prepare for battle.

Absalom sits by the city gates, waiting for people who want advice and counsel from David. Absalom stops them on their way in and wins them over, telling them anything they want to hear. Instead of sending them to David, he woos them for personal gain.

After a few years, Absalom asks David if he could travel to Hebron to “fulfill a vow” that he made back when he lived in Geshur. Absalom is lying about the vow and really leaves to gather the men, chariots, and horses he has been secretly collecting.

David’s messengers let him know what is happening, that Absalom betrayed him and is plotting to overthrow Jerusalem. David decides not to battle with his son and instead flees, leaving his concubines, the priests, and the ark of the covenant behind.

David finds out that Ahithophel, one of his most trusted mentors and advisors, betrayed him and joined Absalom. Luckily, David finds a friend named Hushai, who serves as a spy to inform David what is happening back in Jerusalem.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Who betrayed David? After David’s ongoing feud with Saul, how might this have triggered fear or anger within him?

Read Psalm 3. What was the context of this psalm? What emotions was David experiencing?