OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. ZIBA MISREPRESENTS MEPHIBOSHETH - (1-4)

II. SHIMEI CURSES DAVID - (5-14)

III. ABSALOM AND HIS COUNSELORS - (15-23)

I. ZIBA MISREPRESENTS MEPHIBOSHETH - (1-4)

We were introduced to Ziba in (2 Sam. 9). Ziba was a servant in the house of Saul and identified the only living member of Saul's family, Mephibosheth, who was the son of Jonathan. David, for Jonathan's sake, desired to show mercy to Mephibosheth and instructed Ziba, his servants and sons, to "till the land for him. "

At this particular juncture in our story, it appears that Ziba has 'higher aspirations'. The political unrest and instability presents Ziba with the opportunity to better his social standing. Ziba shows up with some welcomed provisions as David and his men leave the city. Immediately David notes the absence of Mephibosheth and inquires of Ziba, "where is thy master's son?" (vs. 3). Ziba's response is that Mephibosheth sees David's political demise as an opportunity for him to seize the throne for himself' The king is Impressed with the "loyalty" of Ziba, "Behold, thine are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth." The liar and hypocrite responds with, "I humbly beseech thee..." Have you ever engaged in a conversation where the Spirit of God within, failed to bear witness with the pious talk without?

Again there is much typology in the chapter. "The asses be for the king's household to ride on..." see (Jn. 12:13-15; Zech. 9:9; Lk. 19:28-44; 1 Ki. 1:44-46; Matt. 21:1-5,9); also the "wilderness," (Rev. 12:1-6).

There is much prophecy in the events of these chapters concerning the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The truths await the student who will diligently search the word of God with a humble and believing attitude.

 

II. SHIMEI CURSES DAVID - (5-14)

Before discussing the next few verses some background information would be very helpful to give us further insight into the events before US.

Notice in (2 Samuel 3:16) that when David reclaims his wife, Michal, it says, "...her husband went with her along weeping behind her to Bahurim." This is the location of verse five. This Shimei, being a member of Saul's house and a resident of Bahurim, is a man who is knowledgeable of some of David's past dealings. With this in mind we might better understand David's reactions in the matter of which we will discuss in a moment.

Again look at the type of Christ, "he cast stones at David." See (Jn. 8:59; 10:31). Shimei's actions are rather aggressive. Certainly this form of behavior was not acceptable when dealing with a king. Yet, David's response is commendable. What went on in David's mind? The obvious Is found in (vs. 12). David accepts the abuse as the "will of God" and an opportunity for him to suffer and gain a blessing. Shimei is, figuratively speaking, "kicking a man in the teeth while he is down." David is on his way out, betrayed by Absalom and at least in his own mind, by Mephibosheth, David's nerves probably were in a frazzled condition where the patience level was very low. However, something else probably ran through the mind of David. Much of what Shimei said was true, he was a bloody man! He was guilty of some of the charges made at this point and saw no reason to revenge himself of the man Shimei. "It may be that the Lord..." (vs. 12); see (2 Ki. 19:4; 1 Pet. 2:19-21).

Abishai (1 Sam. 26:6,7), Joab's brother, rallies to the cause, "let me go over ... and take off his head." David attributes the circumstances to the Lord, "The Lord hath said... Curse David" (vs. 10), "for the Lord hath bidden him" (vs. 11). "Back off Abishai, let God handle this!" The concept in focus is the permissive will of God, Romans 8:28. God has allowed this situation to enter into my life for me to learn a very important lesson. If I will say "What do you want me to learn from this, Lord?" rather than, "Why me, Lord?," maybe I'll get a blessing out of it. David is learning to depend less and less upon himself and more and more upon his God.

 

III. ABSALOM AND HIS COUNSELORS - (15-23)

Ahithophel has joined the enemy forces of Absalom in (1 Sam. 15:31). He was a wise old counselor and friend of David. Upon learning of Ahithophel's defection, David prayed that the Lord would turn Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness (15:31).

Hushai the Archite is also present. Hushai is an agent of King David. He is the wings to David's prayer of (15:31). It does not appear that Hushai convinces Absalom of his loyalty to him. Absalom questions Hushai's motives (vs. 17) and is not convinced by his response.

"God save the king..." - other references, (1 Sam. 10:24; 1 Ki. 1:25,39; 2 Ki. 11:12). The prayer is a noble one, would that it be that the "king" be a Christian, (Prov. 29:2).

Ahithophel's counsel fulfills Nathan's prophecy of (2 Sam. 12:11). Nathan's prophecy is a direct result of David's illicit relationship with Bathsheba. Note that the Lord is very careful to direct the circumstances of his retribution. A tent is erected on the top of David's house, this is where David fell. David's sin with Bathsheba was committed in his mind while he was on the roof top. God judges David's private sin publicly. His son takes David's wives "in the sight of-all Israel" (vs. 22). The purpose for all this in Ahithophel's mind is to force the people to make a choice. Where will your loyalties be? Yes, these men are father and son, but they are also "abhorred" of one another.

Ahithophel's counsel was as "the oracle of God." In other words, when Ahithophel spoke, it was as though God had spoken through him; Ahithophel could do no wrong. It is a wonderful study of God's omniscience and will, to reconcile Nathan's prophecy of (2 Sam. 12), David's prayer of (15:31), and (vs. 23).