In this chapter we have a civil war. Some people want Absalom to be king of Israel instead of David, and other people want David to stay king. This war is only going to end when either Absalom or David are killed. But when it comes to the decisive battle, it’s covered in only 3 verses (verses 6-8). It’s civil […]

Praise God that the chapter ends with three people who committed themselves to God’s chosen king when his cause looked weak. In verse 27, Shobi is a former pagan, Machir was once loyal to Saul, and Barzillai is senior citizen. But when it matters, we find them here, standing beside God’s chosen king. If Jesus were to ask us, as […]

It might not seem a big decision for Absalom to take the advice of one of his counsellors over another. But as soon as he does, the writing is on the wall for his rebel kingdom. He can’t see it. But Ahithophel can. Just as the devil himself knows he is doomed, so Ahithophel knows that the cause he has […]