2nd Samuel 15 FIGHTINGS WITHIN The city gate of Jerusalem was the governmental and business center of the whole area, and in this capital city, of the whole nation in regards to the carrying out of legal matters. Absalom's plan was to take advantage of his good looks and dramatic style with a false concern for justice and friendly "embrazzo" for everyone who came into the city from other places. In that way he created dissension and a favorable public impression. Before long he was able to rally the ignorant young people to follow him. By flattering people and speaking nicely to them, and making promises he could not keep, and even giving free food, he undermined the leadership of his father David. He even found one unhappy advisor, Ahithophel, to follow his rebellion.
Absalom in this story has the characteristics of Satan in that he creates division, hatred and rebellion among the people of God. The enemy of our souls is out to steal the people in whatever way he can and fools them with flattery, deception and false hopes and promises. His purpose is to claim the allegiance of the unbelievers and turn aside the faithful testimony of God's people by falsehood and deceptive influence. His initial attempts may be from some obscure place where news comes of a wonderful man of great intelligence and leadership qualities who can unfold the scriptures in a way that people have never heard before. Those who are not well-versed in the truth of God may get messages on-line and before long are teaching things they never got from God but from an unknown person who appeals to them by his charismatic ways.
Absalom probably had friends in Hebron who would have been glad to align themselves with him in order to rise up in power and claim fame and status. The rebellion was widespread and could not be easily stopped. By its very nature dissension spreads quickly, and even more so in this age. Instant communication and social media make it impossible to stop innuendo and lies before they have a negative influence on people who feed on dissatisfaction.
When David fled the city of Jerusalem, he was not unaware of what Absalom wanted. By leaving he preserved the city itself and the population from a battle in which many innocent lives would be lost. It takes as much courage to not fight as it does to fight. Backing down from a confrontation for the sake of the welfare of others can be a good thing. To choose to wait may be a wise thing, especially if there is a plan to preserve the assembly, work or family.
There were some faithful people David could trust even though he knew his life was in jeopardy. He took Ittai and those with him who were strangers, even though they were not Israelites. These loyal people could be trusted with his life. Abiathar and Zadok the priests, were told to remain in Jerusalem with the ark and be in position to help the cause of David there. David left the city barefoot like one walking on holy ground, and covered his head in sorrow. He did not want Jerusalem destroyed by warfare and did not want Absalom killed. He obviously expected to return so left ten house-keepers there, the priests and Levites and Hushai, an advisor - all who were loyal to David.
The counsel of spiritual and faithful people is always important to consider when decisions have to be made in time of difficulty. "In the multitude of counselors there wanteth not safety," is a principle we are wise to follow. Hushai was a true friend who could give needed information as to events under Absalom's rule. It is not an easy task to remain true and faithful when surrounded by those who want to bring about unscriptural change. Wisdom and integrity are essential in remaining true to our "heavenly David." It may be that we are called to serve our King in the place where the enemy dwells and seems like he is in control. Some are limited in what they can do like Mephibosheth and may find themselves evil spoken of by those who promote themselves like his servant Ziba. Ziba was a deceitful man unworthy of trust, but David did not have the time to find out he was an opportunist wanting to profit from Mephibosheth's inability to follow David. Shimei was an outspoken open enemy of David who blamed him for the downfall of Saul and his family. Resentments often are deep and long, and usually are not within our ability to change or do much about. Some things we have to take, and leave the final results with the Lord.
Hushai was able to contradict the counsel of Ahithophel, the grandfather of Bathsheba. Ahithophel had aligned himself with Absalom for some reason, and later found out that deception and rebellion have a way of coming back to attack those who promote them. There are costs to following our Lord and there will be dangers when we stand for righteousness and truth in this changing world and changing society. David wrote a number of psalms at this time (39, 41, 55, 61, 63) that we can identify with when we find ourselves in similar circumstances. It is important for us to remember when we think we have failed and don't know what to do next or where to go, to lift our eyes of faith to our Lord and trust Him to open the way before us, and do what is necessary when we can do no more.