False Accusations

Though David had gone out of his way for years to avoid conflict with him, one of Saul’s relatives blamed David for his death.   When Absalom staged a coup against his father, Shimei publically declared that it was God’s way of punishing him for what he had done to Saul, in II Samuel 16:5-8.  “And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.  And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: and all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left.  And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.”

David’s cousin Abishai was offended by the accusations Shimei made and offered to shut him up permanently.  David was reminded again how violent and unforgiving his cousins were, and forbid killing him.  As David told him, it was just words, while Absalom was actively seeking to kill him.   Shimei was like a fly buzzing around, annoying, but not important, and they must not allow him to distract them from following God.   II Samuel 16:9-14 describes David’s response.  “Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.

And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?  And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.  It may be that the LORD will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.  And as David and his men went by the way, Shimei went along on the hill's side over against him, and cursed as he went, and threw stones at him, and cast dust.  And the king, and all the people that were with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves there.”

While David and his supporters paused for a short preak a few miles out of Jerusalem, Absalom’s forces entered the city, where they were met by David’s friend, Hushai.  Knowing that friendship, Absalom questioned why Hushai’s motives.  Hushai made the point that he was a patriot who cared about Israel and would do his best regardless who was king, in II Samuel 16:15-19.  “And Absalom, and all the people the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him.  And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David's friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.

And Absalom said to Hushai, Is this thy kindness to thy friend? why wentest thou not with thy friend?

And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay; but whom the LORD, and this people, and all the men of Israel, choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.  And again, whom should I serve? should I not serve in the presence of his son? as I have served in thy father's presence, so will I be in thy presence.”

Accepting Hushai’s statement, Absalom asked Ahithophel and Hushai what they thought he should do next, in II Samuel 16:20-22.  “Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong.  So they spread Absalom a tent upon the top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his father's concubines in the sight of all Israel.”

Ahithophel advised Absalom to commit incest with David’s various concubines to eliminate any possibility of reconciliation with David’s forces.  Absalom had murdered his brother for doing the same thing to his sister he now did to David’s common law wives or mistresses.   Knowing what was going on would leave the people with a sense of guilt for allowing it that would make it far harder for them to face David.  They would feel they had no option but to follow Absalom.  II Samuel 16:23 tells us, “And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.”  Ahithophel had a very good understanding of human nature and was hardly ever wrong.