The Friends Of The Fleeing King. Now Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar [the priest] came up [and officiated] until all the people had finished passing from the city. 2Sa 15:24
THE REIGN OF DAVID
INTRODUCTION
The Second Book of Samuel is devoted entirely to the reign of David. His coronation, first by Judah and then by all of the tribes, his wars and conquests, his care for the religious life of the people, his sins, and the calamities he suffered, are impartially set forth in vivid and convincing narrative.
“A very notable thing in the books of Samuel,” says James Robertson, “is the prominence given to music and song. There is in these books an unusual number of poetical pieces ascribed to this period, and all the indications put together give ample justification for the fame of David as the sweet singer of Israel, and for the ascription to him of the origin of that volume of sacred song which never ceased in Israel, and has become embodied in the Psalms.”
31. What great quality did David retain in his adversity?
THE FRIENDS OF THE FLEEING KING
Now Zadok also came, and all the Levites with him carrying the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar [the priest] came up [and officiated] until all the people had finished passing from the city.
Then the king told Zadok, “Take the ark of God back to [its rightful place in] the city [of Jerusalem, the capital]. If I find favor in the LORD’S sight, He will bring me back again and let me see both it and His dwelling place (habitation).
But if He should say, ‘I have no delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me what seems good to Him.”
The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace [you and Abiathar], and your two sons with you, your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan the son of Abiathar.
See, I am going to wait at the fords [of the Jordan] in the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.”
So Zadok and Abiathar brought the ark of God back to Jerusalem, and they stayed there.
And David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, with his head covered and walking barefoot [in despair]. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.
David was told, “Ahithophel [your counselor] is among the conspirators with Absalom.” David said, “O LORD, I pray You, turn Ahithophel’s counsel into foolishness.”
It happened when David came to the summit [of the Mount of Olives], where he worshiped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his tunic torn and dust on his head [as if in mourning].
David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me.
But if you return to the city, and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in the past, so I will be your servant now;’ then you can thwart (make useless) the advice of Ahithophel for me.
Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? So it shall be that every word you hear from the king’s palace, you shall report it to them.
Their two sons are there with them, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son; and by them you shall send to me everything that you hear.”
So Hushai, David’s friend, returned to the city, and [at about the same time] Absalom came into Jerusalem.
THE FRIENDS OF THE FLEEING KING
Outside the story of our Lord, the Bible records nothing more admirable than David’s behavior as he passed through this thicket of thorns. He never appeared to better advantage than during those awful days. Tribulation had wrought patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and his hope was destined not to be ashamed. The psalms in which he embalms these experiences are the heritage of the saints. Among them are Psa_3:1-8; Psa_4:1-8; Psa_26:1-12; Psa_27:1-14; Psa_28:1-9, and probably 62. The procession reminds us of another-only that was still more sorrowful-led by his Son and Lord, Mat_26:1-75.
Adversity sifts out the false from the true, the spurious from the genuine. The trusted counselor turns traitor, 2Sa_15:31; but against this must be set the loyalty of Zadok and Abiathar, and the devotion of Hushai. There are indications that Bathsheba was Ahithophel’s granddaughter. This would explain why Absalom sent for him, why he was so bitter, and why he committed suicide. The Cross has been the touchstone of trial to myriads! Have you been true to your exiled King? Let us go forth to Him without the camp, bearing his reproach! Heb_13:13.
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