Topical Bible: Gilead: Pursued Into, by Absalom

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Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River, holds significant historical and biblical importance. It is a mountainous area known for its balm, a resin used for medicinal purposes, and its strategic location. In the biblical narrative, Gilead becomes a place of refuge and pursuit during the tumultuous reign of King David, particularly in the context of Absalom's rebellion.

Context of Absalom's Rebellion

Absalom, the third son of King David, is a central figure in the narrative of rebellion against his father. His revolt is detailed in 2 Samuel 15-18. Absalom's discontent with David's rule and his ambition for power lead him to conspire against his father, ultimately declaring himself king in Hebron. This act of insurrection forces David to flee Jerusalem to avoid confrontation and potential bloodshed in the city.

David's Flight and Pursuit into Gilead

As David flees from Absalom, he crosses the Jordan River and seeks refuge in the region of Gilead. The Bible records this flight in 2 Samuel 17:22-24 : "So David and all the people with him set out and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan. When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb. Then David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel."

Mahanaim, located in Gilead, becomes a temporary stronghold for David. It is here that he regroups and receives support from loyal followers and allies. The people of Gilead, including Shobi son of Nahash, Machir son of Ammiel, and Barzillai the Gileadite, provide sustenance and resources to David and his men, as described in 2 Samuel 17:27-29 : "When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim brought beds, basins, and pottery items. They also brought wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, curds, sheep, and cheese from the herd for David and his people to eat. For they said, 'The people have become hungry, exhausted, and thirsty in the wilderness.'"

The Battle in Gilead

The conflict between David and Absalom culminates in a decisive battle in the forest of Ephraim, which is part of the Gilead region. The battle is marked by its intensity and the tragic death of Absalom. Despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with Absalom, Joab, the commander of David's army, kills Absalom after he becomes entangled in the branches of a large oak tree. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 18:9-15 .

Significance of Gilead in the Narrative

Gilead serves as a backdrop for a critical moment in the history of Israel's monarchy. It is a place of refuge for David during a time of great personal and political crisis. The support David receives in Gilead underscores the loyalty and faithfulness of his followers, contrasting with the betrayal and ambition of Absalom. The events in Gilead highlight themes of divine providence, loyalty, and the consequences of rebellion against God's anointed king.

In the broader biblical narrative, Gilead's role in the account of Absalom's pursuit and David's eventual restoration to the throne illustrates the complexities of leadership, the challenges of familial relationships, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with David.

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2 Samuel 17:26
So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.
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How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ...
... down not far off Mahanaim, in the country of Gilead. ... down his dead body, and cast
it into a great ... heard a great noise of those that pursued Absalom, and that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how when absalom.htm

Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ...
... of wool over them; and when those that pursued them came ... had discoursed thus to them,
he went into the inmost ... and Machir the principal man of Gilead; and these ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the insurrection.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... heard that the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead had buried ... fast, and ran each other's
swords into their sides ... incredible haste and alacrity, and pursued Abner to a ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... with the peoples of the East"Absalom's rebellion; the ... of the passes leading from
the Shephelah into the valley ... their way to or returning from Gilead, and of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... This is the man that is pursued by the law, and by ... And this leads me first to inquire
into what, by these ... that he should go and fall at Ramoth-gilead; and he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm