2 Samuel 16
As king David is fleeing from Jerusalem and Absalom he meets up with Ziba who was a household servant to king Saul and now looks after Mephibosheth (Saul's lame Grandson).
Ziba is leading a string of donkeys, saddled and with provisions of food. These are for David and his followers lest they become weak in the wilderness.
Mephibosheth is staying behind in Jerusalem as he thinks that the Israelites will hand him the kingdom that was his grandfather's. (Some hope considering David has been king a while and Absalom is very popular)
This is treachery in David's eyes and Ziba is given outright the lands that belonged to the family of Saul.
As they march on another relative of king Saul meets David, a guy called Shimei who accuses David of being a man of violence while pelting him with stones!
David does not approve of retaliation for this insult "Perhaps the LORD told him to curse me" if so perhaps he will lift his curse and restore his blessings
Also David points out that his own flesh and blood is after him, why should not this relative of his former enemy do the same? After all he is basically powerless to do any real harm.
I do find it slightly ironic that Saul's relative should accuse David of violence and murder considering David spared Saul's life - twice, and composed a lament when he died.
Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, Absalom questioned Hushai's loyalty, after all he was David's friend.
Hushai relied that he follows the one chosen , and if not David it will be Absalom.
Absalom also asked Ahithophel (one of David's trusted advisors) for his advice on what to do next.
Ahithophel told Absalom that he should sleep with all David's concubines - this would drive a big wedge into the relationship with David and proving how resolute Absalom is to annoy David would improve the resolve of the people.
Absalom then had intercourse with all of David's concubines in a tent on the roof of the palace.
As king David is fleeing from Jerusalem and Absalom he meets up with Ziba who was a household servant to king Saul and now looks after Mephibosheth (Saul's lame Grandson).
Ziba is leading a string of donkeys, saddled and with provisions of food. These are for David and his followers lest they become weak in the wilderness.
Mephibosheth is staying behind in Jerusalem as he thinks that the Israelites will hand him the kingdom that was his grandfather's. (Some hope considering David has been king a while and Absalom is very popular)
This is treachery in David's eyes and Ziba is given outright the lands that belonged to the family of Saul.
As they march on another relative of king Saul meets David, a guy called Shimei who accuses David of being a man of violence while pelting him with stones!
David does not approve of retaliation for this insult "Perhaps the LORD told him to curse me" if so perhaps he will lift his curse and restore his blessings
Also David points out that his own flesh and blood is after him, why should not this relative of his former enemy do the same? After all he is basically powerless to do any real harm.
I do find it slightly ironic that Saul's relative should accuse David of violence and murder considering David spared Saul's life - twice, and composed a lament when he died.
Meanwhile, back in Jerusalem, Absalom questioned Hushai's loyalty, after all he was David's friend.
Hushai relied that he follows the one chosen , and if not David it will be Absalom.
Absalom also asked Ahithophel (one of David's trusted advisors) for his advice on what to do next.
Ahithophel told Absalom that he should sleep with all David's concubines - this would drive a big wedge into the relationship with David and proving how resolute Absalom is to annoy David would improve the resolve of the people.
Absalom then had intercourse with all of David's concubines in a tent on the roof of the palace.
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