A Lord Who Intervenes

A LORD WHO INTERVENES

a prayer to open

My Lord, my God, show me your heart. Ground me in your presence.

Draw me near and hold me close.

Meanwhile, Absalom and all the army of Israel arrived at Jerusalem. . . . When David’s friend Hushai the Arkite arrived, he went immediately to see Absalom. “Long live the king!” he exclaimed. . . .

“Is this the way you treat your friend David?” Absalom asked him. “Why aren’t you with him?”

“I’m here because I belong to the man who is chosen by the LORD and by all the men of Israel,” Hushai replied. “And anyway, why shouldn’t I serve you?” . . .

Then Absalom turned to Ahithophel and asked him, “What should I do next?”

Ahithophel told him, “Go and sleep with your father’s concubines. . . . Then all Israel will know that you have insulted your father beyond hope of reconciliation, and they will throw their support to you.” So they set up a tent on the palace roof where everyone could see it, and Absalom went in and had sex with his father’s concubines.

Absalom followed Ahithophel’s advice, just as David had done.

In this scene, we see God intervene to save David’s life by answering his prayer that Ahithophel’s advice be turned to foolishness (see 2 Samuel 15:31). Such a contrast between David and Saul! Both were leaders who committed wrongdoings, but Saul defended, justified, and blamed; David repented. As a result, God did not abandon him as king and protected him from his enemies, ensuring that David’s reign would continue as promised. God is quick to forgive when we turn to him, but so often we act like Saul instead of like David.

• Why did Absalom respond to Hushai’s pledge of loyalty as he did?
• What must it have been like to be in Hushai’s position—falsely pledging his loyalty to Absalom, giving advice that was contrary to the trusted Ahithophel, and sneaking around to make sure David got the news about what Absalom was planning?
• When has God intervened to protect you? What happened?

Father, thank you for all the times you have protected me. I am so grateful that you are a God who intervenes when I am in trouble and walks with me in the midst of my pain. Thank you for your presence in the midst of betrayal, heartache, and sorrow. Use me to advance your plans in this world and to be a help to those praying for relief and solace for their suffering. Amen.