It is clear from 2 Samuel 17 that David's planning is bearing fruit already. Ahithophel offers sound advice, let's strike now while David is unorganized and panicked. Ahithophel will take the task himself at no risk to Absalom, he will attack and capture or kill David and bring the rest of Israel back to Absalom. Absalom turns to Hushai, wondering what he would counsel. Clearly, David is one step ahead of his son.
Hushai counters and poisons the water. David is a mighty warrior, do not underestimate him, he will be ready for a quick strike and will win. If he wins, your people will lose heart. It is better if Absalom were to gather all the people of Israel and track down David. Hushai offers a slow and steady approach, which serves two purposes, it gives David a chance to plan his counter offensive, but two in a marvelous propaganda strike, he reminds Absalom and all of Absalom's men how mighty David is. He allows doubt to begin to creep into their minds.
Hushai now resorts to getting a message to David to flee to the other side of the Jordan, a message that is sent through the priest Zadok and Abiathar. Again, David's planning is working exactly as he hoped. Ahithophel, on the other hand, sees himself dismissed. He had become a traitor to David, but this has not paid off. He has seen his place taken by Hushai, so Ahithophel kills himself.
While Absalom ponders his moves, and places Joab's nephew in charge, David prepares for war. He recieves support from three nobles and sets his commanders in place. David is back in his element, the warrior is ready.
For all the build up, the battle is pretty direct and over before it begins. David's veterans, battle hardened all, are too much for Absalom's conscripts and volunteers. Fighting in a wooded area, in which David's veterans have an upper hand, Absalom's forces are soundly defeated in 2 Samuel 18. The only question that remains is what will happen to Absalom.
Before the battle, David issues the command to go gentle with Absalom, it is his only command to the forces who convince David to stay out of the fight. When men come upon Absalom, they leave him, stuck in a tree, stuck between heaven and earth, between life and death. Joab takes it upon himself, this hardened man who sent Uriah to his death, sends Absalom to his.
David receives word, and weeps for his son, dead. His blood on David's hands.
Psalm 52
Two lifestyles are contrasted.The first is one who deceitful and treacherous, sarcastically referred to as "the mighty one." This one seeks life in the destruction of others. This one, however, will be brought low by the just God. The second lifestyle is one who trusts in the house of God, one who is thankful for God's love and gives praise for God's presence.
Psalm 53
The psalmist looks around and is dismayed by what he or she sees, a world devoid of those who follow God. Not only does the world not follow after God, but denies God's existence. There lack of knowledge is seen in their lack of faith of God. Yet it is those who believe who will be redeemed and delivered.
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Psalm 54
A simple psalm that hits all the highlights, one who is persecuted and turns to God. The psalmist proclaims faith in a God who is faithful. God responds and a hymn of thanksgiving list raised.
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