v1 Remember Mephibosheth is Jonathan's son. Ziba is his servant.
v7-8 I don't know how David reacted to these words, but I do know that he was a man of introspect. I wonder if anything this guy said pierced his heart or made him question his divine appointment to the throne.
When a good man's integrity and motives are called into question, it sometimes cripples him, however briefly, in a way that it would not with another kind of man.
v10-12 David, instead of defending himself, is going to let the Lord speak for him.
v21-23 The advice of Ahithophel is vile and dishonoring to God, but Absalom obeys like it is an order from Above. (As David had done, for this was his counselor 15:12)
v7 Hushai takes his place as adviser and discredits Ahithophel in the process.
v14 The plan works perfectly.
v19-20 A woman saves the two spies, and in actuality, David himself. We may never know what our small actions are doing to impact God's kingdom.
v23 This is a blow that the traitor Ahithophel cannot endure.
v25-29 Amasa, who was appointed over Absalom's men, is the relative of Shobie, who brought provisions for David's people. David's household is not the only one which has been divided by this rebellion.
Are the references to cousins and relatives in this passage making your head spin? I've noticed that sometimes it helps to draw a picture--in this case a family tree--to make the connections a little more clear. (This is a rough sketch I made in my notebook to help myself understand.)
Amasa is Joab's 1st cousin, once removed (Joab's cousin's kid). This is why he was chosen. Keep it in the family.
Shobi is Amasa's uncle on his mother's side. And is also Joab's 1st cousin.
Does that help at all? I'm a visual learner, so it does for me. Is there a trick that helps you study Scripture more effectively? Share it with the class!
Next time: Chapters 18-19
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