2 Samuel 16:1-23

David's sorrows multiplied. Those recorded here are typical. Ziba, a man who for purely selfish reasons took advantage of temporary trouble to traduce an absent friend, was utterly despicable, and the more so because at the moment the sorrow he brought to the heart of David was his feeling that his kindness toward Mephibosheth was ill requited. Shimei was of a higher type than Ziba, but was mean beyond measure. He struck when his foe was in the dust. David's attitude toward Shimei is remarkable in its revelation of his attitude toward God. He spoke of Shimei as sent to curse him.

As we thus follow David through these days of humiliation and shame, while with him we recognize the perfect justice of all the sufferings that came to him, we nevertheless understand more perfectly that he was indeed a man after God's own heart.

Arriving in Jerusalem, Absalom was surprised to find Hushai, David's friend, still there. He turned from him to Ahithophel for counsel. Ahithophel advised an action which would make the breach between himself and his father permanent, and constituted a supreme claim to the succession. To enter and possess the harem of a king was the right only of his successor.