Notes:

A Shepherd and a Celebrity    See Session Slides Here

• David was forgiven but there are consequences. This is seen in immorality and murder in his family.
• Amnon was the oldest son of David and probably thought that gave him the right to do what he pleased.
• He thought he loved Tamar, but confused lust with love. He raped her, then despised her.
• David failed to deal with Amnon, probably because of his own guilt. So Absalom took matters into his own hand. He waited his time, then arranged the murder of Amnon.
• Absalom fled to the home of his maternal grandparents. There was no repentance or desire to go home.
• 2 Sam.13:37,39. After 3 years David brought him home but kept him under house arrest for 2 years.
• There was no change in him after 5 years.
• Eventually he was reconciled to David, it would seem. But all the time he was scheming to be leader.
• He thought David’s sin gave him the right to usurp the throne.
• How do you become a leader when God does not appoint you? Become a celebrity.

1) A celebrity joins people to himself; a shepherd connects them to Jesus 2 Sam.14:25-26. Celebrities surround themselves with people who sing their praises. He was not esteemed for his moral worth but his looks.

2) A celebrity big-notes himself; a shepherd exalts God. 2 Sam.15:1. The greatest danger is to believe our own greatness. Then people exist to serve you. The opposite of the servant mentality. David was a shepherd.

3) A celebrity promotes his own agenda by getting people to believe he is serving their interests. 2 Sam.15:2-5. Sheep will follow anyone, anywhere if they think they will get what they want.

2 Sam.15:6. As an opportunist Absalom stole the hearts of the people. David won the hearts of the people.

2 Sam.15:7-9. Absalom was deceptive.

2 Sam.15:10-12. A rebel gathers discontents. He sent for Ahithophel. He had no shame in recruiting David’s men. Ahithophel joined the rebellion. The conspiracy grew, suggesting he influenced many.

2 Sam.15:13. David learned of the disloyalty when it was too late. He was now 60 and health-impaired.

2 Sam.15:14-18. A split occurs. People choose sides. The majority sided with the celebrity.

2 Sam.15:23. David quickly assembled his troops and they all passed over Kidron (black).

What does the shepherd do? (2 Sam.15:25-26).

1) He rested in the grace of God.

2) He prayed 2 Sam.15:31. He learned of Ahithophel’s betrayal. A type of Judas who betrayed the true king, Psa.41:9. (Jn.13:18; Acts 1:16); Psa.55:12-14). See also Psa.109:4. Absalom trusted in his charisma, popularity and the counsel of Ahithophel. David trusted in the wisdom of God. He prayed. 2 Sam.15:32.

3) He refused to lash out at his enemies.

• Hushai overturned the counsel of Ahithophel.
• Why didn’t Absalom receive the counsel of Ahithophel? See Prov.21:1. 2 Sam.16:14. Psa.33:10-11.
• 2 Sam.17:23. Ahithophel committed suicide because he knew Hushai’s plan would result in Absalom’s defeat. He realized he was backing the wrong horse. But also his counsel was rejected.
• 2 Sam.18:1. David had time to regroup. More were joining his army. He grew in confidence, knowing the outcome. David was not allowed to go to battle. He didn’t want to anyway.
• 2 Sam.18:7-8. The wood devoured more than the sword. God didn’t need an army to defeat Absalom. All He needed was a branch. His hair, in which he took such pride, was his downfall.
• 2 Sam.18:9-15. Absalom’s reign was short-lived. What begins in rebellion ends in disaster.
• 2 Sam.18:17. What an ending for this rebel! Died hanging on a tree, buried in a pit, covered with stones, childless, abandoned by his followers. Prov.10:7. David wept and wished he could have died instead.
• God’s grace is for all occasions. When you are confronting a giant, running from a murderous king and also when we have fallen into sin and suffering the consequences.
• David submitted to chastening but he also trusted God to work in his life and circumstances.
• Public opinion turned. Bringing back the King was the only hope of a united kingdom. David returns.