Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 30
2 Samuel 17
1 Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
3 And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.
4 And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.
5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
6 And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.
7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.
8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
9 Behold, he is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will come to pass, when some of them be overthrown at the first, that whosoever heareth it will say, There is a slaughter among the people that follow Absalom.
10 And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.
11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.
12 So shall we come upon him in some place where he shall be found, and we will light upon him as the dew falleth on the ground: and of him and of all the men that are with him there shall not be left so much as one.
13 Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.
14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom.
15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.
16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.
17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.
18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.
20 And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
21 And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said unto David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.
22 Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, and they passed over Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them that was not gone over Jordan.
23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him.
25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man’s son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab’s mother.
26 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the land of Gilead.
27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
28 Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,
29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
The valleys of Hinnom and Kidron meet at En Rogel, a watering place. A female servant wouldn’t have raised any suspicion walking back and forth between the city and En Rogel, as young women were frequently sent for the water needed in the household. Consider the Samarian women mentioned in John 4. This alert and trustworthy women (vs17) played an important role in securing intelligence from Jerusalem for king David. In a dangerous setting, she descreetly relayed exact information from Zadok and Abiathar the priests to their sons Johnathan and Ahimaaz. “Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom.” So the women where pressed on time and had to come up with a plan quickly, and resourceful in the concealing the opening of her well. This well is probably an empty cistern used to collect rain water, given they go to a specific well to get the majority of their water supply. When Absalom’s servants arrive in pursuit of the David’s spies, she sent them off in the wrong dirrection (kind of like Rahab’s protection of Joshua’s spies in Joshua 2). Although this womens intentions are instictive and protective they cannot be condoned, as God doesn’t need lies to defend his people. Possibly God knew that they would do such a thing. There was little time to come up with a better plan. Her lively response allowed for David’s men to escape and give David vital information vital to his saftey in the battles to come. God must have blinded the eyes of Absalom’s men from looking into the well, the covering spread across the well, along with the grain on top of it could have looked to be a table, or something useless, nothing opposing a threat or a hiding place. God makes a way out of seeming no way, with even the most intersting situations and resources.
It sounds to me that there was some betraying going on here in this chapter.
alot of backbiting from a woman that had no reason to do with anything with the story turning against David.
And Absolam.
I hope and pray that I never go against anybody that God uses for His glory and if I do REPENT then turn away from the problem and try try again. I’m trying right now about some dealings that the Lord has convicted me about for awhile now and the message that the pastor preached the other day spoke strongly to me in my heart and that was if we are doing some unhealthy things to our bodies get up and TRY to do something about it dont just stay put and except that it will go away by it self. So I’m doing my trying since yesterday and with the Lord’s help I can do it!
And it’s been working for me thank you Jesus.
But back to the lesson today, the wench in this chapter was being in a situation that she had no place to be. Thank you Lord for helping me get out of my situation where I’m not supposed to be either. Thanks for church also.
ipray
igo to church
ilove Jesus ”
Amen and Amen.
Punished with promise
29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
As the drama unfolds, one thing is for certain, God will not leave or forsake David. David is in the process of punishment and living in the consequences of his bad decision. Yet the process, plan, purpose, and will of God is still being pursued behind the scenes.
If you are going through hard times, or living in the consequences of a bad decision, take heart and be of good courage.
Remember, all things work together for the good of those who are the called according to God’s purpose.
This is why a genuine spirit of repentance and an attitude of humility are vital. Sometimes we need a “whooping” but this means that our Father still loves us!
Vs 27-29 Even in the midst of the challenge that David faced, God was providing for his needs. As long as we are doing right, God will provide. Continue in his way and He will sustain us.
I love to eat breakfast with Jesus
7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.
The Lord made it seem as if it was not good, however this would have been the best way to take out the king…
God is always one step ahead
Machir had cared for mephibosheth for many years , until David brought the latter to Jerusalem( 9:3-5). He ministered to those in need , whether a lame prince or a dethroned king . Those who give of their substance to aid the cause of Christ through hospitality will have their kindnesses returned a hundredfold when He returns in glory.
PRIDE BEFORE DESTRUCTION
6 And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.
7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given is not good at this time.
Hushai was obviously placed in the house of the King for the King’s protection. “For such a time as this”. Hushai’s words were not a direct rebuke of Ahithophel, but a soft answer turns away wrath. Hushai recognized the plan of Ahithophel would be dangerous to David and his men.
Ahithophel realized that he had been rejected and betrayed he took matters into his own hands.
23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.
Pride is a wicked task master.
iPray
iWork
THE PRIEST AND HIS SERVANTS
15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.
16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, saying, Lodge not this night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily pass over; lest the king be swallowed up, and all the people that are with him.
17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by Enrogel; for they might not be seen to come into the city: and a wench went and told them; and they went and told king David.
Hushai the informant, Zadok and Abiathar the priests along with Jonathan and Ahimaaz all worked together to protect their Leader. These 5 men were willing to risk their own safety to protect their Leader.
The HIGH Risk of Leadership is to invest ourselves into a cause larger than ourselves.
Remember GOD is searching the land for someone to use in moving forward of HIS Kingdom and every ROLE is significant and important.
iPray
iWork
In this chapter is alot of backbiting and bickering. We have to be careful what goes in our ears and into our hearts.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18 KJV
29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
Just as the people with David were hungry, so are the lost souls of the reigion of Ft Worth. We must feed these hungry souls. We must sacrifice and give of ourselves, that they might come to the knowlegde of Christ, repent, be baptised, and filled with the Holy Ghost, and that they might reach for others too…..
A Competition of Council Good vs Evil.
Sometimes that is how we feel pull to one side and the other. The only reason that happens is because we go for council to the wrong place. EVERYTHING we need to guide our lives is in the word of God. If we follow it we won’t find ourselves running for our lives. Yes running for our lives because after all the payment of sin is death. So in that manner we need to be extremely careful of whom we allowed to speak into our lives, or we might find ourselves in a well of trouble and darkness.
The faithful maid-servant
18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.
20 And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and
could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
I love when God uses a woman to influence the outcome of a situation. The maid-servant is not named but her actions were significant enough to be included in the scripture. She had a courageous heart. She hid David’s men; an action, if discovered, that would have surely gotten her killed. Yet this fact did not stop her from her purpose. A woman’s influence can save a kingdom. God give me a courageous heart that I might do your will.
The beginning of the chapter shows how scary the outcome can be when we are selfishly driven. Absalom was pleased with the idea of his father being killed. How far do we have to fall to get where we do not even care about our own flesh and blood anymore? Family is an important part of our lives but in the bible days it was held in a higher esteem it seems. Men were known or even introduced themselves as the son of their father. in a time where family, mainly fathers, were an honor it seems to me that the spirit of pride and self will can destroy even the strongest bonds. David was a man of honor yet absalom was willing to forego that to make a name for himself even if that was dishonor.
iLove to eat lunch with Jesus
HISTORY WILL REPEAT ITSELF TO REBUILD THE JEWISH STATE UNDER THE FLAG OF DAVID IN WORLD WAR 2
And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the Lord had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom. (2 Samuel 17:14 KJV)
THE BATTLE OF DUNKIRK
THIS IS AMAZING…think about it…these men Were fixing to be destroyed by the Germans… All Hitler had to do was press and he would had conquered the English and French and destroyed the Jews…but at the last minute he received bad counsel and allowed the troops at Dunkirk to escape over the English Channel. Hitler soon killed himself and the Jews were given their land back… And they chose the star of David as their official flag…
Good Comment!
Thank you Lord for preparing the road before us. Even our “back-trail” is covered from attack or pursuit that we don’t even know about.
Ahithophel hung himself. I have given advice or counsil to my kids but would never hang myself if they didn’t listen. Obvious Absolom knew he was mentally unstable from the beginning so sought other counsil.
I think he knew that David would soon take back the kingdom and didn’t want to face him
God takes care of them who follow him
We must serve and remain loyal,effective and courageous.
To the King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords!
Also to our leaders that GOD has placed over us. No matter what comes or goes our way.
” Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the LORD”. Rom.12:19
Stay on the LORD’s side and win
iPray
iServe
iWin
27 And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,
28 Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,
29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
God will always provide the needs in our lives. Just as he did for David and his men , so will he for us. As long as we are on His side. If God be for us ,who can be against us?
v 21″ Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus hath Ahithophel counselled against you.”
The insider ( the traitor the dragger bearer) always does more harm than an outsider .
Ahithophel was a traitor, and he met the traitor’s tragic end.
GOD does not easily gives us up. HE searches and seeks us out.
Thank you JESUS for that power that we can call you LORD. Worship, adore, and lift you up as our LORD.
iPray
iTrust
iWorship
I WILL
For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company. (Psalm 55:12-14)
Some say Absaloms hatred for his father began when David didn’t punish Amnon, maybe maybe not but a better question is why did Ahitophel turn on David. The psalms quoted above is speaking of Ahitophel. Why did the kings advisor, the kings friend, a man who worshipped God with David turn on him?
There was a little girl who sat on her grandfathers lap as a child. She brought him much joy and pride. She grew into a beautiful woman who married the man of her dreams, a hero a Soldier, a man named Urriah. Ahitophel loved his grandaughter Bathsheba he wouldn’t have done anything for her, and the king his friend, treated her like a whore, a sexual object, something for his own gratification, something to please him. When David saw the consequences of his sin, he didn’t make things right he made them worse, and Ahitophel like Absalom had to watch the one he loved live with consequences of a sexual predator. Absalom had his revenge on Amnon, Ahitophel wanted his on Davis.
IWILL
Taking Our God’s Anointed….
The enemy is always plotting to take down the people of God. It’s always to be on guard and to never let it down. While we sleep, Satan is busy plotting his next scheme. Awake thou that sleepest….
It blows my mind how faithful God has been to David despite his mistakes and failures. God still has his back. It is also comforting to know that He cares for me in this same manner.
As the songs says ” as I look back over my life I can see how your love has guided me; even though I’ve done wrong you’ve never left me alone; you forgave me and you kept on blessing me.” Lord you’ve been so faithful!
ILove to eat supper with Jesus
20 And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
They were over the water…in the well
This chapter illustrates guidance. Absalom sought counsel from Ahithophel and Hushai, which both gave different recommendations. We also receive advice from many sources and/or individuals today whereas we must also decide which too take. A wise choice would be to seek Godly counsel. May the good Lord bless you all in Jesus name, Amen
29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
This verse causes me to really focus on what God has been speaking to use the last few services. If we are hungry and thirsty he will provide if we trust and seek his face.
18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.
20 And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them, They be gone over the brook of water. And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.
Here we see God using this woman to help His people she sacrificed her life to protect Davids Men and saved their lives as well. We should always be willing to protect our leadership in whatever way we can and lift them up in prayer so that Gods protection and hand will be over them physically and spiritually.
18 Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told Absalom: but they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, which had a well in his court; whither they went down.
19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth, and spread ground corn thereon; and the thing was not known.
In the time of trying to do the will of God and encountering enemy attack, these men fled into the well.
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. (John 7:37 KJV)
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:13, 14 KJV)
These men displayed how the Holy Ghost should be our well of safety: when trials come, when attacks come, when “life” comes, when challenges comes… Too many are content to come by and just take a little drink to get a quick “boost” but these two didn’t just come to the well, they got in it.
Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. (Ezekiel 47:1-5 KJV)
When we’re in over our head, that’s a perfect time to get in over our head in the waters of the Holy Ghost. We need more than a sip, we need a soul-satisfying, thirst-answering drink that overflows from us. My God is more than enough, He can supply all my need, He is my El Shaddai, He always looks out for me, Jehovah Jireh, He is my God…
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (Psalm 23:1-6 KJV)
Absalom inquires from everyone else but God, God is not with him. Hushai doesn’t want to have war against David. David knows his son is out to kill him but doesn’t want to hurt him.
Lord I seek you now and always, no one can ever replace you. To god be the glory.
V 28 and 29 provision and comfort
David having the council of God was covered even in this attack. God had Hushai in the right place at the right time. His council saved Davids life or it saved a lot if mens lives that would have died to protect him, David is continuing to let God be God. Gods will is done only when we let him lead us in our dicisions.
iSeek
Thank God for his provision.
Psalm 111:4-5
4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
5 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
God sent provison to David and his men even while running from Absalom. I am reminded of Elijah while in the cave how God sent a raven to feed him. Matthew tells us “take no thought for tomorrow, what he shall eat or dink…” if only we could live in that state of mind that God would supply all our needs according to his riches in glory.
This chapter brings to mind the song that says “Whose report will you believe?” Hushai countered what Ahithophel was telling Absalom to do in regards to David. David had previously prayed back in chapter 15 and verse 31 MSG the following…..”David was told, “Ahithophel has joined the conspirators with Absalom.” He prayed, “Oh, God—turn Ahithophel’s counsel to foolishness.” So when his counsel was not being followed as he was so accustomed to, Ahithophel killed himself.
There will always be different versions, opinions, and people trying to tell you what you should do. That is where we must be alert and steadfast in who and what we believe. I will believe the report of the Lord.
Even in the wilderness, God has a blessing for us. David made allies of many people when he was on the run from Saul, then repaid them with out of his spoils along the way. Then, just when he needed help, his old allies step up and provide for him and those with him. Kindness to others goes a long way-whether we are in the valley or out!