David's Flight.

There are few incidents in the checkered life of David more pathetic, than the one which is now to engage our attention, illustrating as it does—the providential ups and downs, and the alternating spiritual prosperity and adversity, which is the lot of God's people on this earth. All is not unclouded sunshine with them, nor is it unrelieved gloom and storm. There is a mingling of both: joys—and sorrows; victories—and defeats; assistance from friends—and injuries from foes; smiles from the Lord's countenance—and the hidings of His face. By such changes opportunities are afforded for the development and exercise of different graces, so that we may, in our measure, "know how to be abased—and how to abound . . . both to be full—and to be empty" (Phil. 4:12). But above all, that we may, amid varying circumstances, prove the unchanging faithfulness of God—and His sufficiency to supply our every need.

David was called to leave the lowly plains of Bethlehem to participate in the honors of Saul's palace. From tending the flock he became the conqueror of Goliath and the popular hero of Israel. But soon Saul's friendship was changed to enmity—and David had to flee for his life, and for many weary months he was hunted as a partridge on the mountains. Subsequently his fortunes were again greatly altered and from being an outcast—he was crowned king of Israel. Then he was enabled to capture Jerusalem, the stronghold of Zion, which became "the city of David" (2 Samuel 5:7). There he established his court and there he "brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the voice of the trumpet" (2 Samuel 6:15). But now we are to behold him fleeing from Jerusalem and being separated from the holy ark—a fugitive once more, in humiliation and deep anguish.

Ah, my reader, if you are one of God's elect—do not expect a smooth and easy path through this earthly wilderness—but be prepared for varying circumstances and drastic changes. The Christian's resting place is not in this world, for "here have we no continuing city" (Hebrews 13:14). The Christian is a "pilgrim," on a journey; he is a "soldier," called on to fight the good fight of faith. The more this is realized, the less keen will be the disappointment, when our ease is disturbed and our outward peace harshly broken in upon. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous," and if 'troubles' do not come to us in one form—they most certainly will in another. If we really "appropriate" this promise—then we shall not be so staggered when afflictions come upon us. It is written that, "it is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22), and therefore we should make up our minds to expect the same, and to "think it not strange" (1 Peter 4:12) when we are called upon to pass through "the fiery trial."

Affliction, tribulation, and fiery trial—were now David's portion. "A messenger soon arrived in Jerusalem to tell King David—All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you!" (2 Samuel 15:13). Visualize the sad scene: the dark clouds of a threatened revolt had been steadily gathering, and now the storm bursts on the king's head. By this time David was some sixty years of age, with health and strength greatly impaired. Ahithophel, his trusted counselor, had deserted him. Absalom, his favorite son, was now risen in rebellion against him. Not only his throne—but his very life was in danger, together with the lives of his wives and their little ones—Solomon was scarcely 10 years old at this time. What, then, does the king do? Nothing! There was no calling of a counsel, no effort made to provision Jerusalem for the withstanding of a siege, no determination to stand his rightful ground and resist his lawless son.

"Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin upon us and put the city to the sword!" (2 Samuel 15:14). Now that at last the blow falls, David passively acquiesces in what he evidently felt to be God's righteous chastisement upon him. When the awful news arrives that Absalom had set up the standard of revolt at Hebron, David's only thought was immediate flight. The fearless warrior, was now almost cowardly in his eagerness to escape, and was prepared to give up everything without a blow. It seemed as though only a touch was needed to overthrow his throne. He hurries on the preparations for flight with nervous haste. He forms no plans beyond those of his earlier wish, to fly away and be at rest.

That David had good reason to conclude the situation which now confronted him, was a just retribution upon his own crimes is quite evident. First, the Lord had declared, "I will raise up evil against you out of your own house" (2 Samuel 12:11), fulfilled here in the insurrection of his favorite son. Other evidences thereof will come before us later—but at this point we will consider, second, Ahithophel's joining hands with the rebel. No sooner had Absalom determined to execute his daring plan—than he looked to Ahithophel. He appears, for some reason not specifically mentioned, to have confidently counted upon his cooperation; nor was he disappointed. "And Absalom sent for Ahithophel, David's counselor" (2 Samuel 15:12). It is to be carefully noted that immediately after Ahithophel's coming to Absalom, we are informed, "And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom" (v. 12)—intimating that Ahithophel brought a multitude with him.

"Absalom followed Ahithophel's advice, just as David had done. For every word Ahithophel spoke seemed as wise as though it had come directly from the mouth of God" (2 Samuel 16:23). In view of this statement we need not be surprised that his joining heart and hand with Absalom, so greatly strengthened his cause. There is no doubt that he was the chief instrument in this conspiracy, and the prime reason why so many in Israel turned from the king to his traitorous son. His official status and the great influence which he possessed over the people—made Absalom glad to avail himself of his help, both to sink the spirits of David's party and to inspire his own with confidence, for Ahithophel was commonly regarded as a prophet. But what was it that made Ahithophel to respond so readily to Absalom's invitation, and cause him to find still greater favor in the eyes of the people, as one who had been grievously wronged and deserved to be avenged of his adversity?

To answer this question the Scriptures must be searched and passage carefully compared with passage. In the second half of 2 Samuel 23 the names are given of the thirty-seven men who formed the special body "guard" (2 Samuel 23:23) of David. Among them we find "Eliam the son of Ahithophel" (2 Samuel 23:34) and "Uriah the Hittite" (2 Samuel 23:39). Thus Eliam and Uriah were fellow-officers and would be much thrown together. Hence, we need not be surprised to learn that Uriah married the daughter of Eliam (see 2 Samuel 11:3). Thus Bathsheba, whom David so grievously wronged, was the granddaughter of Ahithophel; and Uriah, whom he so cruelly murdered, was his grandson by marriage! Does not this fact explain why David's "familiar friend" (Psalm 41:9) become his deadly foe—and account for this readiness to aid Absalom—thus seeking to avenge the dishonor brought upon his house?

Next Part David's Flight. 2

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