2 Samuel 15 Summary

After his restoration, Absalom prepares chariots and horses with fifty men to run before him and positions himself by the city gate. He accosts men seeking judgment from the king, saying their matters are righteous but no one hears them, and wishes he were judge to do all justice. He embraces each man who comes to do obeisance, stealing the hearts of Israel. After forty years, Absalom asks David to let him go to Hebron to pay a vow made while he dwelt at Geshur in Syria. David grants permission, but Absalom secretly sends spies throughout Israel to proclaim that he reigns in Hebron. He invites David's counselor Ahithophel from his city as he offers sacrifices, and the conspiracy grows strong. When word reaches David that the hearts of Israel follow Absalom, David flees Jerusalem with his household, leaving ten concubines to keep the house. The king crosses the brook Kidron with all his people, going toward the wilderness. Though the ark of the covenant is carried along, David orders Zadok and Abiathar to return it to the city. On the Mount of Olives, David hears Ahithophel has joined the conspirators; he prays the Lord turn Ahithophel's counsel to foolishness. Hushai the Archite meets David with rent coat and earth upon his head; David sends him to Absalom to defeat Ahithophel's counsel and report back through the priests' sons.