19. Absalom’s rebellion ( 2Samuel 15:1 – 12)

Since the Lord had announced judgment for David’s sin in chapter 12, David had many years to respond, or restore order in his household, before the situation escalated to the point where Absalom usurped the throne. Yet throughout that time, he took no decisive action.

👉 Read 2Samuel 15:1 - 12

Q1. How Absalom gained people’s hearts reflects what he had complaints about David. What was it? (3-4)

David neither executed justice in his sister’s case nor appointed anyone to ensure it was done.

Q2. In 2 Samuel 15:7–12, Absalom deceitfully told King David that he needed to go to (                  ) to fulfill a (        ) to the Lord. David granted his request, unaware of the plot. Absalom invited 200 men from Jerusalem—they went (        ), knowing nothing about the conspiracy. But once present at the place where Absalom made his move, their presence helped legitimize his claim. Absalom [                ] the situation to make his rebellion appear supported.

Absalom deceitfully told King David that he needed to go to ( Hebron ) to fulfill a ( vow ) to the Lord. David granted his request, unaware of the plot. Absalom invited 200 men from Jerusalem—they went ( naively ), knowing nothing about the conspiracy. But once present at the place where Absalom made his move, their presence helped legitimize his claim. Absalom [ manipulated ] the situation to make his rebellion appear supported.

Q3. How much time elapsed between David’s sin with Bathsheba and the outbreak of Absalom’s revolt? (13:1, 23, 38; 14:28; 15:1, 7)

Altogether, we can trace at least 11 years of recorded time, plus two periods of unspecified duration, estimating roughly 12 years between David’s sin and Absalom’s revolt.

13:1 "After some time," Amnon rapes Tamar 

13:23 "Two years later," Absalom murders Amnon 

13:38 "For three years," Absalom lived in exile in Geshur 

14:28 "For two full years," Absalom had returned but didn't see David 

15:1 "After some time," Absalom started to gain favor with the people 

15:7 "After four years," Absalom initiated rebellion 

Throughout these years, the situation steadily deteriorates—from his daughter to his son, and to his throne and his life. From the farther side to closer to him. However, what the prophet Nathan had warned (2 Sam 12:10–12) was being fulfilled. The worst had not yet come. Amid such an escalating sequence of tragedy, with yet worse to be expected, David repeatedly fails to intervene decisively, allowing bitterness, injustice, and rebellion to grow unchecked.

Unchecked sin and unresolved traits will only grow into greater problems. Bring them before the Lord—to have them fixed, or at the very least, to receive necessary, even if temporary, treatment.