[Songs of Praise] Now This Is the MusicSýnishorn

David’s Situation

The news King David got would have sunk anyone’s heart: “The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.” In another set of circumstances, this would have been very good news. But sadly, that wasn’t the case then. This was a coup, enacted by none other than the king’s third son, along with the king’s closest advisor and many of the people of Israel.

David then did something that revealed why he had been chosen by God to shepherd His people. He didn’t stay to fight. He didn’t want to put lives on the line to save his own life and those of his officials. He protected the city, the palace, and the people by leaving.

He knew he was the prize Absalom was after, and he sought to prevent Absalom’s harming others. So, he left.

David didn’t leave alone—six hundred men from Gath, led by Ittai the Gittite, went with him, as well as three priests, many from the city, and most of his household. Nevertheless, surely loneliness knocked on the door to David’s heart.

Long ago, David had lived as a stranger in Ittai’s homeland. He knew how Ittai must have felt. So, when they were outside of the city, David gave Ittai the option to go back. When Ittai made a vow to be with David wherever he went, David may have remembered his grandmother Ruth, who had made a similar vow (Ruth 1:16–17). David received the balm of Ittai’s loyalty amid great sadness.

As if having to leave Jerusalem in a hurry was not enough trouble, when David and his companions were passing Bahurim, a man by the name of Simei came out to meet them. From Bahurim all the way to the plains of the wilderness, he shouted against the king, throwing stones and kicking up dust.

When they finally rested from the tiresome journey, word came to them to quickly cross the Jordan River, because their enemies would be coming after them to destroy them. So, they crossed the Jordan through the night until dawn. Then, they went to a city called Mahanaim to get ready, in a matter of hours, for a great battle in the valley and in the forest.

Lord, I may not be running out of town with the enemy on my heels. Maybe it is not my own son who is after me. But surely, I feel like the river is up to my neck, and I am very tired. Please, come to my rescue as I sing Your praises.