2 Samuel 13

37 And David mourned many days for his son Amnon. Absalom fled to his grandfather, Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. 

38 He stayed there in Geshur for three years. 

39 And King David, now reconciled to Amnon’s death, longed to be reunited with his son Absalom.

2 Samuel 14

23 Then Joab went to Geshur and brought Absalom back to Jerusalem. 

24 But the king gave this order: “Absalom may go to his own house, but he must never come into my presence.” So Absalom did not see the king.

2 Samuel 14:25 — Now Absalom was praised as the most handsome man in all Israel. He was flawless from head to foot.

We all need someone who can see our shortcomings. 

Absalom needed challenged for what was on the other side of his appearance.

2 Samuel 14:28 — Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years, but he never got to see the king.

2 Samuel 14:33 — So Joab told the king what Absalom had said. Then at last David summoned Absalom, who came and bowed low before the king, and the king kissed him.

2 Samuel 15

1 After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him. 

2 He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where in Israel they were from, and they would tell him their tribe. 

3 Then Absalom would say, “You’ve really got a strong case here! It’s too bad the king doesn’t have anyone to hear it. 

4 I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!”

5 When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn’t let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. 

6 Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.

Absalom capitalizes on controversy. 

10 But while he was there, he sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel to stir up a rebellion against the king. “As soon as you hear the ram’s horn,” his message read, “you are to say, ‘Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron.’” 

11 He took 200 men from Jerusalem with him as guests, but they knew nothing of his intentions. 

12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, one of David’s counselors who lived in Giloh. Soon many others also joined Absalom, and the conspiracy gained momentum.

13 A messenger soon arrived in Jerusalem to tell David, “All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you!”

30 David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning. And the people who were with him covered their heads and wept as they climbed the hill.

2 Samuel 17

1 Ahithophel also said to Absalom, “Now, let me choose 12,000 men to chase David tonight.

2 I will catch him while he is tired and weak. I will frighten him, and all his people will run away. But I will kill only King David.

2 Samuel 17:12 — We will catch David wherever he is hiding and attack him with so many soldiers that they will be like the dew that covers the ground. We will kill David and all of his men—no one will be left alive.

2 Samuel 18:5 — And the king gave this command to Joab, Abishai, and Ittai: “For my sake, deal gently with young Absalom.” And all the troops heard the king give this order to his commanders.

2 Samuel 18

15 Ten of Joab’s young armor bearers then surrounded Absalom and killed him.

17 They threw Absalom’s body into a deep pit in the forest and piled a great heap of stones over it. And all Israel fled to their homes.

33 The king was overcome with emotion. He went up to the room over the gateway and burst into tears. And as he went, he cried, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you! O Absalom, my son, my son.”

Psalm 3 

1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.

5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

7 Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

8 Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

The Lord sustained me.