So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up. 2 Samuel 15:30
–> Jesus also wept on the Mount of Olives
Absalom’s Betrayal
Absalom flees the country after murdering Amnon, his half-brother. Three years later, David forgives him and allows him to return. In the next four years, Absalom sets out to win the loyalty of the northern tribes (Israel) away from his father. He even wins the support of some of David’s oldest associates.
David is forced to flee Jerusalem. The aging king, deserted by the people he has loved and led so well, and stripped of all that men call glory, hurries into the gathering darkness (15:13-37).
23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. The king himself also crossed over the Brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness.
24 There was Zadok also, and all the Levites with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar went up until all the people had finished crossing over from the city. 25 Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place. 26 But if He says thus: ‘I have no delight in you,’ here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.” 27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 See, I will wait in the plains of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 Therefore Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem. And they remained there. 30 So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up.
–> David is betrayed by his own son and had to flee the country in barefoot with his people into the wilderness. They all wept as they were leaving. There are only 2 choices — following Absalom must have been an easy choice because they did not have to leave everything they had to face a harsh existence living in wilderness. They had a leader who is extremely handsome (sounds like Lucifer/antichrist) and impressive. Following David, an elderly king, on the other hand, must have been a tough choice. Faithful people followed David. David spoke to Ittai, a foreigner, that he could stay with his people and did not have to follow the king. But Ittai, like Ruth, refuses to leave David. This seems to be very significant. There are really only 2 choices. It takes courage and loyalty to make the latter choice.
Christian churches are turning towards apostasy and false christianity. Christians are facing the same two choices. Do I have the faith that is strong enough to leave the comfort of my home, home church and friends to follow my Lord the king?
Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why are you also going with us? Return and remain with the king. For you are a foreigner and also an exile from your own place. 20 In fact, you came only yesterday. Should I make you wander up and down with us today, since I go I know not where? Return, and take your brethren back. Mercy and truth be with you.” 21 And Ittai answered the king and said, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in whatever place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there also your servant will be.” 22 So David said to Ittai, “Go, and cross over.” Then Ittai the Gittite and all his men and all the little ones who were with him crossed over.
Lucifer
The account of Satan in the Bible tells of the beauty of Lucifer. “Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.” Ezekiel 28:17
11 Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, And the sound of your stringed instruments; The maggot is spread under you, And worms cover you.’ 12 “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ 15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit. 16 “Those who see you will gaze at you, And consider you, saying: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, Who shook kingdoms, 17 Who made the world as a wilderness And destroyed its cities, Who did not open the house of his prisoners?’ 18 “All the kings of the nations, All of them, sleep in glory, Everyone in his own house; 19 But you are cast out of your grave Like an abominable branch, Like the garment of those who are slain, Thrust through with a sword, Who go down to the stones of the pit, Like a corpse trodden underfoot. Isaiah 14:11-19
