2 Samuel 17:23
Verse 23 When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.
This chapter is really the story of a group of men. We have the king who is running for his life as his son tries to take over the throne. There are the priests who were willing to serve the king in various ways so they could show their loyalty to the man they knew was dear to God’s heart. There was the man who was willing to serve the king in the service of the rebellious prince. And there was the man who was willing to prove his disloyalty to the king to prove loyalty to the prince.
While the king was trying to keep his men, family and himself safe he was also trusting on the Lord to make it clear on His choice for a leader for His people. While the king had felt God’s hand of favor on him for years, he was likely having moments of feeling doubt. Maybe he had done all the Lord wanted of him. Maybe it would come down to him giving his life so his son could take over the throne. What would become of the kingdom? What would become of the king’s men and his family? What did God have in store for him?
The priests and their sons had done what was asked of them and they were still in dangers way if the prince learned what they had been up to. The way Absalom had marched into the city like he owned it showed he didn’t have a lot of sentiment for the way things were. If he decided to remove those who sympathized with his father, he may not stop short of killing even the priests.
There was Absalom who was figuring out any way he could to solidify his kingship. He knew if he could get enough people on his side, those on the side of his father would soon back down or give in to his way of thinking. He would take over this kingdom even if it meant killing his father. He would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.
Last but not least there were the two advisors. One who was hiding his loyalty to David by appearing to favor the prince, if he could hold his cover he could do great things for the man he saw as God’s king for the people. The other had betrayed the trust of the king giving his allegiance to the prince instead. When the prince didn’t listen to his advice he lost his confidence in himself and decided life wasn’t worth living. He left town and gave up everything, including his life.
Making It Personal
How important is loyalty to God in your life? Does that show in your loyalty to His people? Where do you need to show loyalty to God today?
Making It Personal Kids
What does it mean to be loyal? Who are you loyal to? Are you loyal to Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Father, loyalty isn’t something which is common in our world and yet it is something very important to You. Help us to know what it means to be loyal to You and Your people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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