II SAMUEL

Here are some thoughts from II Samuel.  These ten chapters I have read deal primarily with the rebellion of Absalom.  Then the last chapters deal with David setting things back in order, a list of David's top 40 mighty men, and finally David's sin of numbering the people and it's consequences.
 ABSALOM'S REBELLION:
1. THE PLOT-2 Samuel 15:1  "And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him."  First, Asalom had to make himself look important.  Beware of any many who spends time telling you how important he is.
2. THE PROMISE (false)- 2 Samuel 15:4  "Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!"  A deceiver has to issue false promises to have people follow him/or her.  Absalom made promises he could not deliver.
3. THE PASSION-2 Samuel 15:5  "And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him."  Absalom was passionate about his plot to overtake the kingdom.  He showed love (though fake) to people.  People need genuine love from their leaders and deserve as much.
4. THE PRETENSE-2 Samuel 15:7,8  "And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron. (8)  For thy servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If the LORD shall bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD."  He he makes up an excuse to leave Jerusalem so that he can gather people who will make him the new king.
5. THE POWER- 2 Samuel 3:10  "To translate the kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba."  He proclaims himself the king and has friends to follow him.
6. THE PATRIARCHS- 2 Samuel 3:19-21  "And Abner also spake in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin. 20  So Abner came to David to Hebron, and twenty men with him. And David made Abner and the men that were with him a feast.  21  And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace."  The Patriarchs have chosen to side with David.  Always look to see which side the mature, godly Christians side.  They will ALWAYS side with God given authority.
7. THE PRIEST-2 Samuel 15:27  "The king said also unto Zadok the priest, Art not thou a seer? return into the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar."  The priest stick with David as well, and go back into the city to be his eyes and ears.
8. THE PRAYER- 2 Samuel 15:31 " And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness."  Here, David prays that God will defeat the wisdom of Ahithophel, who is not counseling Absalom.
Well, this is the outline of chapter 15, and also all I have time for.  This would teach or preach although I've never done either with this chapter.  Someday....  There is never enough time to share all you get out of the Word of God.  What a blessing it is!  Hope you have a blessed day!
Pastor Mike Mutchler