2 Samuel 17

We are in the section that describes the consequences of David’s sins, (approximately 2 Samuel 13-21). Back in 12:11, God tells David, “I will raise up evil against you from your own household.” This is not a fun place to have my devotions, but I remain committed to going through the Bible, chapter by chapter, believing that God has a message for me in every chapter. I just must take the time to reflect and pray. The act of reflecting and writing has been a game changer for me. I sense that I’m going deeper into the heart of God and exploring all of Who He is and His purposes. I’m not just choosing verses that I deem “devotional.”

David’s advisor switches sides

God forgives David his sin, but He doesn’t withhold the earthly consequences associated with them. God provides some ugly details in these chapters. David’s own son, Absalom, has turned the hearts of the people away from David and toward him. David has fled his throne in Jerusalem and Absalom has moved in. David didn’t immediately seek revenge and plot a counter-attack. He sought God. One of the first things David did after seeking God was to ask one of his trusted advisors, Hushai, to go over to Absalom’s side and become his advisor. Perhaps God would use Hushai to counter Absalom’s other advisors. It worked, and the biblical text makes it clear that although God is allowing the pain of these consequences, He is always in control.

How could a son do this?

Absalom’s evil intent escalates. Once in Jerusalem, he openly lays with David’s concubine to make a public statement and mark his territory. It’s not enough that David is on the run and exiled, Absalom’s advisor, Athithophel, lays out a strategy to immediately attack David and his loyal mighty men and kill them all, including David. Absalom is plotting to kill God’s anointed. Something his father David refused to do when Saul was king.

Let’s buy some time

Absalom likes his advisor’ advice but God prompts Absalom to seek the advice of Hushai, who defected from David’s camp. So Hushai gave counter advice to Absalom. Rather than send men immediately to attack David, Hushai advises that he prepare by gather every available man throughout the kingdom to ensure strength by numbers. And then he appealed to Absalom’s ego by stating that after this preparation, Absalom could then “lead” the attack and personally be present when David is defeated. This counsel pleased Absalom so it gave Hushai time to send Word to David and warn him.

The Lord ordains His plans

We know God is controlling the circumstances and verse 14 affirms it when it says, “For the Lord had ordained to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel, so that the Lord might bring calamity on Absalom.” What Satan intends for evil, God uses for good. Even when your world is turned upside down, God is still in control. He is refining us, teaches us, at times humbling us in order to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Yes, David is suffering the consequences of his sin, but God remains with him, for him and His love and care for David is evident even in this part of the narrative when it “seems” that everything is going against David. Thank you Lord that You never desert us or forsake us. You are at work and we are Your workmanship. Amen