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Lesson 30: Absalom’s Defeat

Lesson 30 from The United Kingdom by Rhodes Davis.

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Lesson Overview

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 16:15 − 19:8

Outline of Text

  • Ahithophel counseled Absalom to go into his father’s concubines; an affront to David that would solidify his supporters, 2 Samuel 16:15-23.
  • Absalom listened to Hushai’s advice, to bring an overwhelming army against David, over Ahithophel’s advice to take a smaller army, 2 Samuel 17:1-14.
  • Hushai warned David to flee for Absalom was coming, 2 Samuel 17:15-29.
  • David fled to Mahanaim, the city where Ishbosheth was crowned king.
  • Ahithophel killed himself when Absalom did not follow his counsel.
  • David’s army had a great victory over the army of Absalom, 2 Samuel 18:1-8.
  • Joab killed Absalom, 2 Samuel 18:9-32.
  • David mourned for Absalom, 2 Samuel 9:33-19:8.
    • David mourned Absalom’s death although Absalom had no problem sending an army to kill David.
  • David’s mourning crushed the hearts of the people and they felt defeated.
  • Joab wisely told David that his mourning was going to cause Israel to cease following him.
    • David listened to the counsel and presented himself before the people.

Questions for Discussion & Study

  1. Why would it be abhorrent for Absalom to go into David’s concubines?

  2. Why do you think Hushai proposed an even greater force to attack David? Why do you think Ahithophel hanged himself?

  3. Why would the young man not kill Absalom? Why did Joab do it?

  4. Why did David mourn so strongly for Absalom?

  5. Explain 2 Samuel 19:5-6.