2 Samuel 15

Jim Butler2 Samuel 15

Second Samuel 15 records Absalom's carefully orchestrated conspiracy to usurp David's throne and David's subsequent flight from Jerusalem. The chapter is expounded against the backdrop of God's word of judgment through Nathan in 2 Samuel 12, showing how divine sovereignty works through the wickedness of responsible human agents without excusing that wickedness. David's submission to God's sovereign will in sending the Ark back to Jerusalem, his prayer against the counsel of Ahithophel, and his use of Ittai, Zadok, and Hushai as instruments of providence together model a robust, active faith that casts itself entirely upon God rather than upon religious superstition or human cleverness. The passage closes with typological overtones, as David's weeping ascent of the Mount of Olives anticipates his greater Son's own rejected kingship and lament over Jerusalem.