Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

David was living in Jerusalem when his son Absalom began secretly gathering an army.

Every day, Absalom would stand near the gate of the city and call out to anyone who had a complaint against King David. He'd ask them where they were from, and they'd tell him they were from one of Israel's tribes. Then Absalom would say, "Your case is good, but there's no one in the king's court to hear it." He wished he could be the judge over all Israel, so everyone with a problem or a complaint could come to him and get justice.

Absalom did this to every Israelite who came before King David for judgment, gaining their loyalty and winning them over. For forty years, Absalom had been preparing for this moment, waiting until finally he said to the king, "Let me go to Hebron and fulfill my vow to the Lord." The king agreed, and Absalom went to Hebron.

But Absalom didn't intend to keep his vow. Instead, he sent spies throughout Israel, telling them what to do when they heard a trumpet sound: "Absalom is king in Hebron!" Two hundred men from Jerusalem followed him, unaware of the plan unfolding.

Meanwhile, Absalom summoned Ahithophel, David's trusted advisor, while he was still offering sacrifices. As more people joined Absalom's side, his conspiracy grew stronger. A messenger arrived with news that the hearts of Israel's men were now with Absalom.

David received this report and told his servants in Jerusalem, "Leave immediately! We can't stay here or we'll be caught off guard and lose everything." The king left the city with all his household, leaving behind ten concubines to care for it. His people followed him from a distance.

As they traveled, David's servants urged him on, saying, "We're ready to follow your instructions, my lord the king." They were accompanied by the Cherethites and Pelethites, as well as six hundred men from Gath who had joined them from that city. When they reached the brook Kidron, King David crossed it with his people, while all of Israel wept behind him.

Zadok the priest and Abiathar carried the ark of God's covenant back to Jerusalem, hoping against hope that David would return. If not, then let God do as he pleased with them. Zadok was instructed to stay in the city with his two sons and to keep a watchful eye on everything happening at court.

David, meanwhile, continued on his way, weeping and covered in ashes. As he ascended Mount Olivet, all those following him had their heads covered and wept too. One messenger informed David that Ahithophel was secretly working with Absalom.

When David reached the top of the mountain where he often worshiped God, Hushai, his trusted advisor, met him with a torn tunic and dust on his head. If David wanted to, Hushai would follow him into exile; but if he returned to the city, he could tell Absalom that he was now serving him, just as he had served King David before.

Hushai suggested sending Zadok's son Ahimaaz and Abiathar's son Jonathan back with any information from the palace. If Hushai could successfully undermine Ahithophel's advice to Absalom, then it might give David an advantage in this desperate situation.

As the sun began to set, Hushai returned to Jerusalem while Absalom arrived at the city gates, ready to begin his rebellion against King David and the rule of God.