Study Desk

Now David had been told, "Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom." So David prayed, "O LORD , turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness."

So David's friend Hushai arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city.

So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt.

Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you."

So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he lay with his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

But Absalom said, "Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say."

"So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba-as numerous as the sand on the seashore-be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle.

Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, "Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do such and such, but I have advised them to do so and so.

But a young man saw them and told Absalom. So the two of them left quickly and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it.

When Absalom's men came to the woman at the house, they asked, "Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?" The woman answered them, "They crossed over the brook." The men searched but found no one, so they returned to Jerusalem.

So David and all the people with him set out and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, no one was 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.

The king answered, "I will do whatever seems best to you." So the king stood beside the gate while all the men marched out in units of hundreds and of thousands.

Joab said, "I'm not going to wait like this for you." So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom's heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree.

"You are not the one to take the news today," Joab told him. "You may take the news another time, but you must not do so today, because the king's son is dead."

He said, "Come what may, I want to run." So Joab said, "Run!" Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.

The king said, "Stand aside and wait here." So he stepped aside and stood there.

So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, "The king is sitting in the gateway," they all came before him. David Returns to Jerusalem Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.

and Absalom, whom we anointed to rule over us, has died in battle. So why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?"

You are my brothers, my own flesh and blood. So why should you be the last to bring back the king?'