Rebellion Ends

Introduction

A. David’s story has taken a number of twists and turns. Teenage boy anointed king one day and slays a giant another. Plays harp to help calm a king’s nerves and for his efforts is attacked. Great general who runs for his life because of a jealous boss. Becomes king but not without civil war for seven years. Solidifies kingdom only to have it ripped apart through his own sin. His family falls apart at different times. His visions of a great house for God are set aside. Ups and downs. Now his son, Absalom, wants to be king and rebels against his father.

B. When our kids disappoint us, we still love them. When our kids do wrong, we hope they will come back to their senses. Even if our kids say they hate us, we long for the day that they will love us again. David is no different. How many times did he think about his sin with Bathsheba? How many times have the words of Nathan come true? David doesn’t live as a defeated man, but he certainly lives with the past hanging over his head. And when Absalom overthrows the throne in Jerusalem, David is humbled once again. He throws himself on the mercy of God. Whatever God intends to do, David is willing for that to happen. But how hard it is to have your own son rebel against you.

C. I mentioned this point several weeks ago, but want to restate it. In order for Absalom to do what he did, there had to be widespread dissatisfaction among the people. With all the prosperity, with all the power, with all the peace, there is dissatisfaction among many. Some speculate that this discontentment arose because of David’s sin and his general disregard for human life. Whatever the reason, Absalom amasses quite an army to oppose his father. In the years after Absalom’s forced exile, he has grown to hate his father and with the passage of time the hate grows to the point of wanting to destroy. Yet, David loves his son. He hasn’t been a great father, but he doesn’t want to hurt his son. Through this whole episode we can see the hand of God at work. And that is what I want us to focus on tonight. God’s provision in a time of trouble.

Examples of God’s Provision

A. Back in 15:30–37, David is leaving the city. He is weeping and praying. He asks God to frustrate the advice of Ahithophel. Amazingly, soon after that Hushai appears wanting to go with David. David sends Hushai back to Jerusalem to frustrate Ahithophel’s advice. Hushai then becomes David’s spy. He arrives at Jerusalem just as Absalom is entering the city. Is Hushai God’s provision? Notice in 17:1–14. Absalom is trying to decide what to do next. Coming into Jerusalem is only one act. He needs to completely destroy David if he is going to reign as king. Ahithophel urges Absalom to pursue David immediately. Hushai says to wait and amass a large army first. Absalom listens to Hushai. Is this God’s provision? Notice verse 14. “God had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel.” Was Hushai God’s provision?

i.  Yes and no. I do not believe that Hushai is placed at just the right spot to intercept David, but God uses him to accomplish his purposes and in that way he becomes God's provision for David.

ii.  Hushai's infiltration into Absalom's confidence is the beginning of his downfall. Ahithophel kills himself because his advice is not taken. Absalom is listening to the enemy and God is bringing all of this about.

B. Notice 17:27–29. David and his entourage have traveled much. They have had little time to rest and to eat. Three men with lots of supplies arrive to provide food and drink for David and his men. Is this God’s provision? Let’s look at the three men briefly. Shobi is an Ammonite. His father had been soundly defeated by King Saul. Shobi’s brother had been defeated by David’s army in chapter 10. Later David took the city of Rabbah (12:26–31) and reestablished good relations with the Ammonites. Makir raised Mephibosheth, the infant son of Jonathan, to adulthood. He would have been a staunch supporter of the house of Saul. Having seen David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, he must have turned his allegiance to David. Barzillai is unknown for the most part, but David blesses him for his kindness by taking his son, Kimham, with him when he returns to Jerusalem treating him like his own son. Is this God’s provision?

i.  Consider that two of these were from families who were bitter enemies with David or Israel in the past—is this God's provision? It certainly seems so. Someone provides for David at the time he needs help. God provides for his servants.

C. Then finally look at chapter 19 and Absalom’s death. Is this God’s provision? As long as Absalom lives, David cannot return to Jerusalem. Even if Absalom is overthrown, how long do you think it would take before Absalom starts another insurrection. David doesn’t even have to fight. His leaders refuse to allow David to go to war against his own son. They insist that David must remain alive. Is this God’s provision? Who kills Absalom? Who buries Absalom? The fact that Joab takes care of matters doesn’t take away the anguish David feels, but God provides for David once again that his enemies are taken care of even when his enemy is his own son. And by the grace of God, David doesn’t have to take part in the process of removing his enemy. This is God’s provision.

Lessons

A. God’s provision occurs in the daily events of life. Hushai’s ability to frustrate Ahithophel’s advice makes that point. David is trying to be king. He is trying to use what and who is available to him. God takes that and makes his will and purpose come about. We mustn’t look at God as manipulating the event but as using David’s friend Hushai to accomplish what was best for David and for God’s intent and will. God uses the day to day people in our lives to bring about his will for us. He helps those who cannot help himself. ILL. “God: Help.”

B. Second, God’s provision comes in unexpected ways. I suspect that two of the three men who came and provided for David and his people were unexpected. One was not of the same nationality. One served Saul’s house at one time. God provides at times unexpectedly. The Bible just reports the facts, but when we understand David’s history with these men, there is a lot of layers to go through. Just as God provides for us in the day to day events, he also provides in unexpected ways. Ask Abraham about God’s unexpected provision when he finds a ram caught in a bush when he needs a sacrifice. Ask Elisha’s servant about unexpected provisions when he is allowed to see into the spiritual realm around him and see the army of God. Ask Peter about God’s unexpected provision when he is released from prison when death is only a day away. The point is that God can provide when we need him to.

C. God did not leave David alone as he dealt with Absalom. David didn’t know what his future was and he was willing not to be king if that is what God wanted. But God provided for David. Keep in mind that all of this is happening as a consequence of David’s sin. Yet, God is still providing even as the consequence unfolds. How thankful we can be that God doesn’t leave us alone when we sin. How thankful we are that God continually works in our lives to bring about what is best for us and at the same time demonstrates his will and purpose. We serve a God who finds ways to provide when we are uncertain. Prayer.

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.