Absalom's Rebellion and David's Escape

Absalom began to make himself look important. He got a chariot, horses, and fifty men to run before him. He stood near the city gate, where people came with cases for the king, and told them their cause was good. He greeted them warmly and kissed them, and in this way he stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

Then Absalom asked to go to Hebron, saying he wanted to pay a vow to the Lord. But he sent spies through all the tribes with a secret message that he would be announced king in Hebron. Two hundred invited men went with him without knowing the plan, and the conspiracy kept growing. Soon a messenger told David that the hearts of the men of Israel were with Absalom.

David told his servants they must flee quickly, so Absalom would not overtake them and strike the city. His household and servants went out with him, but he left ten concubines to keep the house. Ittai the Gittite showed great loyalty and stayed with David. As they crossed the Kidron towards the wilderness, the land rang with weeping.

When Zadok, Abiathar, and the Levites brought the ark of God, David told them to carry it back into the city. He said that if the Lord delighted in him, the Lord could bring him back, but if not, he was ready for God to do what seemed good. David went up the Mount of Olives weeping, prayed about Ahithophel's counsel, and sent Hushai back to the city to work against it.

A little past the top, Ziba met David with donkeys, bread, raisins, summer fruit, and wine for the journey. Later, at Bahurim, Shimei from Saul's family came out cursing, throwing stones, and tossing dust at David and his men. Abishai wanted to kill him, but David stopped him and left the matter in the Lord's hands. At last the king and the people with him arrived weary and refreshed themselves there.