Absalom was very good looking and worked at being popular so as to cunningly win the hearts of the people over to him against his father David (v1-6). The conspiracy grows and results in Absalom being anointed king at Hebron (v7-12).

We need to be aware of how the devil will seek to undermine the rightful leaders of the church. We need to be watchful against gossiping tongue, especially if they are our own.

But greater still is the problem of the constant conspiracy against Jesus and the desire to not allow Him to be the King over people’s hearts. We need to pray for the spiritual battle going on within people.

David has to flee with his family and gets the encouragement of faith supporters such as the foreigner Ittai (v19-22). The priests are told to take the ark back to safety in Jerusalem (v24-29) and they along with Hushai (v32-37) would act to help influence Absalom for good. We’re like them in a hostile environment to King Jesus seeking to be a positive influence.

The weeping of the people and David as they cross the Kidron Valley (v23, 30) points forward to Jesus and the weeping He would do as a betrayed King at Gethsemane. Jesus like David was despised and rejected by men.