Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: David's Flight from Jerusalem

◄ David: King of Israel: David's Flight from Jerusalem ►

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David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his profound faith, military prowess, and complex personal life. One of the most dramatic episodes in David's life is his flight from Jerusalem, which occurs during the rebellion of his son Absalom. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 15-18 and provides insight into David's character, leadership, and reliance on God during times of crisis.

Context of the Rebellion

Absalom, David's third son, harbored resentment against his father following the incident involving his sister Tamar and Amnon, David's firstborn. Over time, Absalom's discontent grew, leading him to conspire against David to seize the throne. Absalom's charm and political acumen won the hearts of many Israelites, as he "stole the hearts of the men of Israel" (2 Samuel 15:6).

David's Decision to Flee

When news of Absalom's conspiracy reached David, he made the difficult decision to flee Jerusalem to avoid bloodshed and preserve the city. David instructed his servants, "Arise, let us flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. Leave quickly, or he will soon overtake us and bring disaster upon us and strike the city with the edge of the sword" (2 Samuel 15:14). This decision reflects David's concern for the welfare of Jerusalem and his people, prioritizing their safety over his own kingship.

The Departure from Jerusalem

As David and his loyal followers left the city, they crossed the Kidron Valley and ascended the Mount of Olives, a journey marked by sorrow and humility. David walked barefoot, with his head covered, weeping as he went, a sign of mourning and repentance (2 Samuel 15:30). This poignant image underscores David's humanity and his deep sense of loss and betrayal.

Encounters Along the Way

During his flight, David encountered several key figures who played significant roles in this narrative. Among them was Ittai the Gittite, who demonstrated unwavering loyalty by choosing to accompany David despite being a foreigner (2 Samuel 15:19-22). David also instructed Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, to return the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, expressing his trust in God's will: "If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His dwelling place again" (2 Samuel 15:25).

Another notable encounter was with Hushai the Archite, whom David sent back to Jerusalem to act as a spy and counter the counsel of Ahithophel, Absalom's advisor (2 Samuel 15:32-37). This strategic move highlights David's wisdom and reliance on God's providence to thwart Absalom's plans.

David's Faith and Leadership

Throughout his flight, David's faith in God remained steadfast. He composed several psalms during this period, expressing his trust in God's protection and justice. Psalm 3, traditionally attributed to this time, begins with the words, "O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me!" (Psalm 3:1), yet it concludes with a declaration of confidence in God's deliverance.

David's leadership during this crisis is marked by humility, strategic thinking, and a deep reliance on God. Despite the personal and political turmoil, David's actions reflect his commitment to God's will and his role as the anointed king of Israel. His flight from Jerusalem serves as a testament to his enduring faith and the complexities of his reign.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 15:13-37
And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.
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Library

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... armies; nay, indeed, when they had so often failed of their purpose in these battles,
they came upon David with an ... The king of Israel therefore inquired of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm

One Fold and one Shepherd
... that Ishbosheth exercised sovereignty over his part of Israel. It is singular that
David should have been left ... which had sprung up between Achish, king of Gath ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/one fold and one shepherd.htm

The History of David
... And then all the people came in tofore the king, and they of Israel that had beerv ...
fled into their tabernacles, and after came again unto David when they ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

How the War was Waged against the Ammonites and Happily Concluded.
... When the king of Israel saw this, he had indignation ... Now when the king of the Hebrews
understood that ... of the battle, delivered themselves up to David, and sent ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the war.htm

The King in Exile
... a scornful reductio ad absurdum of His claims to be King of Israel This explanation ...
The meaning of the prophecy is that the offspring of David, who should ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the king in exile.htm

The New Garment Bent
... How different David's conduct in like circumstances! ... as the beginning of Egypt's
interference in Israel's affairs ... It was a bad beginning for a king of Israel to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... his son with him, and worshipped the king, and wished ... own mind, and then returned
home; but David came to ... having about him half the people [of Israel], and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

Rash Decisions.
... Then David asked Ziba what these were for, and Ziba ... And the king asked after
Mephibosheth; then Ziba said, "O ... To-day shall the house of Israel restore me the ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xli rash decisions.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... not ill pleased to befriend the enemy of his own enemy, the King of Israel. It had
been better for the Moabites, however, had David never lived to succeed ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... in his words, "Thou shalt be king over Israel, and I ... my father, knoweth." In such
resistance the king's son has ... men of his own tribe, again dogs David's steps. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm