Read through the chapter several times. Try and imagine yourself in the activity, seeing Absalom in his chariot, hearing him talk with people in the gate, and seeing him respond to people who pay him homage. Consider what you would think of such a person who you know weighs his hair when he cuts it.
Also pay close attention the convoluted depiction of the exodus of Jerusalem. Try to imagine what it looked like, what David does and how he does it. Who comes with him, who tries? Be sure to take the time to look up the various unfamiliar names, and words or places. This is a good place to track down cross references in your Bible. Imagine what it looked like to see the king cross the Kidron Valley barefoot. Jot down observations, questions, notes, insights and so on.
After you've gone through a few times on your own, go back through with the questions below:
- Look at 1 Samuel 8:11 where Samuel tells those desiring a king what he will do to them. From this, where do you think Absalom gets the idea for his chariot and runners?
- We normally think of chariots in races. How fast do you think Absalom is trying to go with fifty guys in front on foot? So, if speed isn't his point, what do you think is?
- What do you think it meant for the people then that Absalom got up early to meet people in the gate?
- What do you think it implies about David's court that Absalom says, "...there is no one to listen to you for the king"? How accurate do you think this might have been?
- Why do you think a hair-weighing chariot-riding would-be judge would kiss those who come to him and bow down? Why do you think people are buying his 'schtick'?
- Absalom says he needs to pay a vow to God he made while in Geshur. Why did he think this would work with David? Why do you think David wasn't clued in by Absalom waiting so long and all his other shenanigans that this wasn't on the up-and-up? Or do you think he was clued in?
- What do you think was the point to the 200 people who went, but knew nothing about the plot? Why even mention them?
- Ahithophel is one to research. Look at the Blue Letter Bible site here. The entry from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia is especially interesting. We'll be keeping an eye on Ahithophel, but what do you think of a royal counselor who follows a conspiracy?
- Why do you think a wise man would have followed Absalom so readily? Think this one through, perhaps in reverse.
- Why do you think David didn't hesitate when he hears everyone is for Absalom? Combined with the fact that Ahithophel, the wise-guy, follows Absalom, what do you infer about Absalom's rebellion at this point?
- Consider verse 14 very carefully. Why does David want to flee Jerusalem?
- Normally the Cherethites and Pelethites occur together, but now Gittites show up as part of David's 600 original men from Gath (Ziklag). Considering that was about 20 years ago, why do you think David would tell Ittai that 'you came only yesterday'?
- It's possible these Gittites are people who followed David after seeing him in Gath. What do you think they saw in David in Gath that caused them to leave Philistines and follow some Israeli rebel?
- David calls them foreigners. What does that mean for their place among the people of Israel? What sort of future do they have?
- Ittai has his men and their 'little ones' which indicates their families are with them. So, how loyal are these 'foreigners'?
- Ittai says that he's with David wherever and whatever happens. But they still only have 600 men. What do you sense among those following David that is lacking in Absalom's group?
- David is crossing the valley, when Zadok and Abiathar show up with the Ark. Why does David tell them to return? Do you think setting up a 'spy network' was his first idea or just occurred to him as he told them to return, or what?
- David ascends the Mount of Olives (a favorite place of Jesus later) barefoot and weeping. How do you imagine this scene? The whole countryside is weeping, how do you see this as very different from Absalom's throng?
- Hushai the Archite ('Hasty' from Archie?) just as David hears that Ahithophel is advising Absalom. David prays for God to make Ahithophel foolish, and up pops Hushai. As answers to prayer go, what do you think about this one being quite so fast?
- Hushai also completes the 'spy network' started with the priests. What are the odds of Hushai being accepted if he already has Ahithophel?
- Hushai and Absalom arrive in Jerusalem at the same time (or so it seems). So, at this stage, considering the character of the one coming versus the one going, who do you think has more favor with the Holy One of Israel? Why?
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