Absalom was a handsome man with beautiful
thick hair. He was also ambitious and wanted to
be king. To impress people, he rode in a chariot
with 50 men running ahead of him.
In the morning, he stood by the road that went
to the city gate. He honored anyone who bowed
down to him. If he saw someone going to see the
king about a problem, he asked, “What city are
you from?” If they were from one of the northern
tribes, he’d say, “I understand your problem.
It’s too bad the king won’t listen to you. If I were
king, I’d make sure you were heard.”
Soon, the northern tribes of Israel became loyal
to Absalom. When the time was right, he sent
messengers to them saying, “Listen for the ram’s
horn. When you hear it, shout, ‘Absalom is king!’”
The conspiracy spread quickly. More and
more people started supporting Absalom. He left
the city and enlisted the help of Ahithophel, one
of David’s advisors. Both David and Absalom
knew that Ahithophel’s wisdom was a gift from
the Lord.
David didn’t hear about this until it was too
late. By then he knew his life was in danger, so
he and his servants quickly left the city. He took
off his shoes, covered his head, and openly cried
as he walked up the Mount of Olives. People
came and cried along the path.
Once he arrived on top of the Mount, he
saw Hushai, one of his friends and advisors.
David said to him, “Don’t come with me. Go tell
Absalom that you’ll serve him just like you served
me. Advise my son against Ahithophel’s counsel
as much as you can.”
They then set up a way Hushai could send
David information about Absalom’s plans. Hushai
returned to Jerusalem just as Absalom and a
large crowd were entering the city. Ahithophel
was at his side. Hushai bowed before Absalom
and said, “Long live the king!”
Absalom said, “Why didn’t you go with your
friend?”
Hushai said, “I’ll serve the one the Lord and
the people have chosen. I’ll serve you just as I
served your...