Question 1

Why did Absalom stand by the gate and talk to people coming to the king?

Accepted Answer

Absalom stood by the city gate because that is where people came with disputes and problems, hoping the king would judge their case. By getting there early and speaking kindly to them, he made it seem like he cared more about their situations than David did. He told them their matters were good and right, but claimed no one from the king was available to hear them. By doing this over time, he quietly undermined David and made himself look like the better leader, which helped him steal the hearts of the men of Israel.

Question 2

What does it mean that Absalom "stole the hearts of the men of Israel"?

Accepted Answer

When it says Absalom “stole the hearts of the men of Israel,” it means he won their loyalty in a sneaky, dishonest way. He used flattery, false concern for justice, and friendly gestures like taking their hand and kissing them. He made people feel important and listened to, but his real goal was to turn them away from David so he could take the throne. Their hearts should have stayed with God’s chosen king, but Absalom’s charm and lies pulled them toward a rebellion against God’s order.

Question 3

Why did Absalom pretend his trip to Hebron was about a vow to the Lord?

Accepted Answer

Absalom told David he needed to go to Hebron to keep a vow he had made to the Lord while he was in Geshur. On the surface, it sounded spiritual and respectful, so David let him go in peace. But Absalom used this as a cover for his plot. In Hebron he sent out spies, gathered support, and had people shout that he was king. His fake vow shows how he used religious language and sacrifice as a mask for his ambition, turning something that should honor God into part of his conspiracy.

Question 4

Why did David choose to flee Jerusalem instead of fighting Absalom immediately?

Accepted Answer

When David heard that Israel’s hearts had turned to Absalom, he quickly decided to leave Jerusalem. He feared that if they stayed, Absalom would overtake them, bring great harm, and strike the city with the sword. David was thinking not only about his own life but also about the people in Jerusalem. By fleeing, he hoped to spare the city from bloodshed. This shows his humility and care for others. He trusted that if God wanted him back on the throne, God would bring him back in His time.

Question 5

Why did David send the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

Zadok and the Levites brought the ark of the covenant out with David as he fled, but David told them to carry it back into the city. He refused to treat the ark like a good-luck charm. Instead, he said that if he found favor in the Lord’s eyes, God would bring him back to see the ark and God’s dwelling again. If not, he was ready for God to do what seemed good. This shows David’s trust in God’s will, and his respect for the ark as a sign of God’s presence with the people, not a tool for his own safety.

Question 6

Who was Ittai the Gittite and why is his loyalty important?

Accepted Answer

Ittai was a foreigner from Gath, a leader of men who had only recently come to David. When David fled, he told Ittai he did not need to follow him into danger, since he was a stranger and exile who could stay with the new king. But Ittai replied that as surely as the Lord and the king lived, he would stay with David in life or death. His loyalty is striking because, while many Israelites followed Absalom, this outsider clung to David. It highlights true commitment that stays even when it costs something.

Question 7

What does David’s prayer about Ahithophel’s counsel show about his faith?

Accepted Answer

When David heard that Ahithophel had joined Absalom, he knew this was serious, because Ahithophel’s advice was highly trusted. David did not have the power to stop him, so he turned straight to God and prayed, “O Lord, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” This simple, direct prayer shows that in his weakness David relied on God to overrule wise-sounding plans that were against him. Later, God answered by using Hushai to frustrate Ahithophel’s advice, showing that David’s trust was not misplaced.

Question 8

Why was Hushai sent back to Jerusalem instead of staying with David?

Accepted Answer

Hushai met David on the mount of Olives with torn clothes and dust on his head, sharing in David’s grief. David told him that if he came along he would only be a burden, perhaps because he was older or less able to travel. Instead, David asked him to return to the city and offer to serve Absalom as he had served David. In that role, Hushai could work to defeat Ahithophel’s counsel and send news to David through the priests and their sons. Hushai’s return was part of a wise plan under God’s hand.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about pride and ambition in leadership?

Accepted Answer

Absalom’s story shows how pride and selfish ambition twist leadership. He wanted the power and honor of being king, so he put on a show with chariots and runners, flattered people at the gate, lied about justice, and even used a false vow to God to hide his plans. In contrast, David is pictured leaving the city weeping, barefoot, and willing to accept whatever God decided. The passage warns that grasping for power through deceit harms God’s people, while true leadership trusts God, serves others, and does not cling to status.

Question 10

How can believers today learn from David’s response to betrayal and loss?

Accepted Answer

Believers can see in David’s response a mix of sorrow, wisdom, and faith. He does not pretend things are fine; he weeps and walks barefoot up the mount of Olives. Yet he also acts wisely by protecting the city, organizing his people, and placing Hushai and the priests in roles where they can help. Most of all, he hands his future to God, saying that if God is pleased, He will bring him back, and if not, He will do what seems good. In our own losses, we can be honest about pain, act wisely, and still rest in God’s good will.

2 Samuel 15:1

And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

Absalom’s Conspiracy

David Flees Jerusalem

David Weeps at the Mount of Olives

Absalom’s Conspiracy

metadata.crossReferences

2 Samuel 15:1

And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

Absalom’s Conspiracy

David Flees Jerusalem

David Weeps at the Mount of Olives

Absalom’s Conspiracy

metadata.crossReferences