OT: The Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 21

2 Samuel 21:1-22

21:1 The land of Israel is out of balance, experiencing a three year long drought, and David asks God how to rectify it. God answers that there is a relationship Saul destroyed as king that needs to be restored. Under his reign, some of the Israelites killed some of the Gibeonites (the Gibeonites had a treaty with Israel which was supposed to ally them).

21:2 God as always been clear that all people are accepted as His children if they choose Him. The Gibeonites chose God but Saul viewed them as outsiders, foreigners. He never accepted them as spiritual family. Saul became obsessed with creating an exclusive club. This is one of the most terrible of Saul's decisions as kings: he closed to door on God's children. God accepts and loves us all equally, regardless where we are from or which tribe we are descended from. But Saul decided only to accept Israelites. 

21:3 Even though David did not cause the problem, he was humble enough to submit to God's will. David opens communication between Israel and the Gibeonites and asks them how he can restore their relationship on behalf of God.

21:4-6 The Gibeonites tell David that they do not want money or to kill any innocent people. Instead, they wish to have the people who killed their fellow Gibeonites to be killed: seven men in total who are related to Saul. David agrees.

21:7-10 David delivers the seven men: Armoni, Mephibosheth (not Jonathan's son), the two sons of Rizpah, and five sons of Michal. David was not punished for this decision by God which leads us to believe that these particular men were indeed guilty of crimes against the Gibeonites.

21:11-14 David finds out that Saul and Jonathon were never properly buried. He retrieves their bones and buries them. With the unresolved business of the past resolved, the famine went away (as God again heeded the prayers of the people in the land). As we righteously resolve the imbalances in our lives, restoring justice and implementing God's will, we become ready to have our prayers answered. For prayers are requests for new and different things. Before providing them, God teaches us to be responsible enough to have them and keep them. Showing Him that we can handle what we have now with faith and righteousness, allows Him to see that we can handle the new things we ask for.

21:15-17 The Philistines begin another war against Israel. David and his men fight against them and David becomes frail (he is beginning to feel his age). But in his moment of physical weakness, David is saved by Abishai. David's men ask him not to join the battle anymore because they fear that losing their king would be a worse defeat than Israel could handle.

21:18-19 The word "giant" is used in these verses. These were not actually giants but a people who tended to be tall and large. The battles continue against the Philistines. 

21:20-22 A fierce warrior of the Philistines is killed by Jonathan, the son of Shimea (David's brother). The tribes of Israel are successful against their enemies because they have been steadfastly faithful to God's philosophy of righteousness. 

OT: The Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 20

2 Samuel 20:1-26

20:1 Civil war conflicts are reignited by a man named Sheba. The tribes are only newly restored to David and Sheba rips them away. Sheba's tries to disassociate the tribes from David because of his humble beginnings. David is the son of Jesse, a farmer. This is classic case of evil underestimating the power, potential and worthiness of servant of God. After all, Jesus will be born through this family, a descendant of king David.

20:2 Except for the tribe of Judah, the tribes of Israel betray David once again. Their ingratitude and short-sighted nature is descriptive of humanity itself. A unifying theme within the Bible is God's unwavering faithfulness juxtaposed humanity's unfaithfulness. David has fought for and led the tribes of Israel selflessly since he was a child; it has not earned him loyalty from people. But if David were concerned about being valued by humans, rather than by God, he would not have succeeded over every barrier they consistently present.

20:3 David returns home and makes the decision not to reestablish romantic relationships with his wives. He respects them and cares for them but after Absalom's abuse, the women are not obligated or asked to recommit to David.

20:4-5 In the previous chapter, David appointed Absalom's former commander as commander of his army. He did so to please the tribes that have now abandoned him. David tells Amasa to assemble an army from the men of Judah and to return. Instead, Amasa lingers. But Amasa takes too long, either out of betrayal or ineptitude. 

20:6-7 Fearing that Sheba will have time to create a strong defense, David begins another plan. He sends Joab's men, the Cherethites and Pelethites after Sheba. 

20:8-10 When Joab crosses paths with Amasa, he pretends to greet him but kills Amasa with a sword (Joab is known for his quick and ruthless decisions). Joab and Abishai continue on to pursue Sheba.

20:11-13 One of Joab's soldiers moves Amasa off of the road and covers him. But despite his ruthless nature, Joab is able to lead and inspire his men. Made confident by Joab's confidence, they move forward against Sheba.

20:14 As Joab travels throughout the tribes, he adds to his army people who have remained loyal to David. 

20:15-17 A wise woman calls out to speak with Joab. 

20:18-19 The woman's plea if for Joab to spare the city of Abel from destruction. The woman tells that they will find Sheba and throw his head over the wall.

20:20-21 Joab agrees leave the city if the people within it help him to find Sheba.

20:22 The people indeed find and kill Sheba and Joab returns to Jerusalem.

20:23-26 The following are the men of David's government offices: Joab is reestablished as commander over all of the army of Israel; Benaiah is made commander over the Cherethites and Pelethites (other nations who became children of God through faith). Adoram over revenue, Jehoshaphat the recorder, Sheba the scribe, Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and Ira the chief minister under David.

OT: The Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 19

2 Samuel 19:1-43

19:1-4 The soldiers of Absalom's family return to the city and their homes. But all of the people hear of David's grieving and a pall is placed over the celebration of his victory.

19:5-6 Joab becomes angry with David. He feels that David's grief makes him ungrateful to the army of men who risked their lives for his cause and to rescue Israel. Joab feels that David's actions suggest to others that he would have preferred to have been defeated. Joab does not understand David's gentle heart (he was the one to kill Absalom).

19:7 But Joab is partially right: David owes it to his faithful men to show gratitude for their courage and victory. As a leader, it is David's responsibility to foster a cohesive atmosphere. Though Absalom was David's family, biologically, David's soldiers are like his family as well and he owes them his attention and gratitude.

19:8 David's presence at the gate confirmed to his people that he indeed intended to remain king. It showed them that he acknowledged the victory and stood before them grateful for their service to Israel.

19:9-10 The people throughout the tribes of Israel were confused. They had betrayed David, the victorious king. They had chosen Absalom, a now-dead betrayer. 

19:11-12 David works to reestablish his relationship with the tribe of Judah; David never forced is authority over anyone, either the people accepted him as king or they had no king.

19:13-14 As a show of compromise, David appoints Amasa (Absalom's commander) to Joab's position. This move made Absalom's followers happier. The tribe of Judah accept David as king.

19:15-18 David and his people re-cross the Jordan to return home as a celebrated king.

19:19-20 In 2 Samuel 16:13, David was mercilessly taunted and assaulted by this man, Shimei. But David chose not to react. David chose not to let Shimei's cruel words destroy him. Now Shimei apologizes and asks for forgiveness; he acknowledges his wrongdoing. It's a good thing David did not let his taunting ruin him! It would have been a loss for nothing. We must not let internal or external interference convince us to give up or stop believing (in God, or in ourselves). David returns a victor and his enemies are apologetic because David kept his faith.

19:21-23 Despite David's men's willingness to punish and kill Shimei for his acts against David, David is merciful. David explains that he does not need to order Shimei's death to know that he is king. David is not on a power-trip. David feels more powerful being merciful. David feels more powerful by showing forgiveness and restraint. He promises Shimei that he will not die.

19:24-25 In 2 Samuel 16, Mephibosheth's servant Ziba betrayed him and sullied his friendship with David. David asks his friend why he betrayed him, but the truth of the situation is explained to him.

19:26-28 Ziba pretended that Mephibosheth switched allegience in order to receive the gifts David meant for his master. But as he stands before David, it is clear that Mephibosheth has been distraught over David's forced exit and is overjoyed to see him back safely.

19:29-30 David is satisfied that Mephibosheth tells the truth and is willing to forget and dismiss the matter. Because he only has the word of each man, and no proof, David allows Mephibosheth to divide his home and provision equally with Ziba (David had given it all to Ziba). But Mephibosheth remembers David's kindness to him when he had nothing and tells David that the only reward he needs is seeing David restored as king.

18:31 David receives one of the best blessings we can ever be given by God: he is surrounded by people who genuinely care for him rather than their own interests. Another of these men is Barzillai, an elderly rich man who provided for David out of genuine kindness and selflessness. 

18:32-37 Though David intends to show his gratitude for Barzillai's provision and support by bringing him into Jerusalem, Barzillai prefers to stay near his home. He explains that he cannot enjoy much at his age, his senses are dulling and the journey would be difficult.

18:38-39 Instead, he allows David to take his servant Chimham (for David is insisted on returning the kindness given to him). David lives by God's philosophy: kindness is always appreciated and reciprocated. 

18:40-41 David returns, escorted by thousands. Again we see the power and orchestration of God. When nearly everyone betrayed David or counted him out, God planned the details of his eventual victory over every enemy. God brought the victory into reality.

18:42 The tribes begin to fight over their claim to David. Ironic, considering they all left him so recently. This is why it is imperative that we join with God and trust Him to value us, restore us and respect us. People will sometimes hurt us or leave us but God never will. God has been right beside David the entire time. David was never alone.

OT: The Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 18

2 Samuel 18:1-33

18:1-2 David assembles an army of defense. He organizes captains over divisions within the army and establishes three commanders. Joab will lead one-third, Abishai will lead one-third and Ittai will lead one-third. David gives his army and commanders assurance that he will be among each of them as well. David's decision to fight alongside his men evidences that he understands that this army is not only fighting for him, they are fighting for the restoration of the tribes of Israel. Corrupt leaders have led the tribes before and it resulted in complete desolation and destruction (let us all remember the book of Judges).

18:3 Yet David's men are anxious about his decision to fight. They feel it is more important that he, as king, remain alive while the armies battle; from a secure position, he will be able to continue to lead them. Likely this was orchestrated by God: just as God did force Abraham to kill his own son, neither will he force David.

18:4-5 As his men begin to march to battle against Absalom, king David stands at the gate as they go. He asks his men to deal gently with Absalom. Despite his bold and systematic betrayal, David refuses to deal ruthlessly with his son. David has been fierce and courageous in battle but it always deeply upsets him when there are rifts between friends and family (he refused to hate Saul; he clung to his friendship with Jonathon). To David, the best outcome would be to take away Absalom's power rather than his life.

18:6-8 The battle takes place in the woods of Ephraim and David's men are victorious. 

18:9-10 One of David's soldiers notices that Absalom was pulled off of his mule while crossing underneath a tree.

18:11-13 Joab asks the man why he did not strike Absalom when he noticed him in such a vulnerable position and the man responds that he would not dare harm the king's son (regardless of the money he would have received). The man is loyal to king David and follows his commands exactly; though some of Israel stops following David, others retain their belief that he is a capable and God-appointed king.

18:14-15 Frustrated, Joab finds Absalom alive in the tree and kills him. 

18:16-17 Joab and his ten men bury Absalom and cover the dirt with stones. Absalom's army flees.

18:18 Though he did not have a respectable monument in death, Absalom had created a monument for himself during his life. The conceited nature of Absalom's heart and life's work is made humble in death.

Matthew 23:12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

18:19-23 Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, prepares to travel quickly to tell David news of the defeat but is halted by Joab. Joab reminds Ahimaaz that he will also have to deliver news of Absalom's death. Instead, Joab orders a Cushite man unknown to David to deliver the news. Ahimaaz outruns the Cushite man to reach David first. Although it is difficult and sorrowful news, he feels David should hear it from someone he knows.

18:24-25 David and his watchmen notice the messenger coming; they were waiting, alert, for news of the battle.

18:26 They then notice that another man runs toward them (the Cushite).

18:27 The identify the first messenger as Ahimaaz.

18:28 David's watchmen surmises that the news is good and David immediately bows down to God in gratitude for the victory. David's faith is intricately women into every moment of his life; he and God experience everything together. David does not hesitate or forget to remember to thank and consult God on every matter.

18:29 David's first question for the messenger: Is Absalom safe? Ahimaaz says that he knows it was a chaotic situation but as to what precisely happened, he does not know.

18:30-32 David tells Ahimaaz to wait while he hears the news from the second messenger. The Chushite tells David that Absalom's army has been defeated but David is concerned for Absalom. He asks about his son's life again.

The Cushite responds: May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise against you to do harm, be like that young man! This response is enough for David to understand that his son has been killed.

18:33 David keens with grief for his son. He is devastated. Although his army has been victorious, David wishes he could give his life in exchange for his son's life. David places God, family and friends above the politics of the world. He is a great king, person and child of God because of his authentic and empathetic emotions.

God has told us that we were made in His image, Genesis 1:27. Like Him, we have a soul and are filled with spirit; we experience emotions. David's tender heart does not make him weak, it makes him strong. It makes him stand out as special to God. David's tender heart and ferocious courage makes him stand out as a biological, spiritual child of God. And yours does, too.

OT: The Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 17

2 Samuel 17:1-29

17:1 Ahithophel and Absolam begin a vehement effort against David. They amass a fierce army against him. This is not a new experience for David. Saul, too, tried to kill David to secure his position as king. We have already learned that the selfish efforts of evil are futile against God the protection God provides to his righteous children.

David has massive imperfections. He has made serious and terrible mistakes. Yet his persistence in faith has helped him to grow and journey from the worst parts of him. Because David has been willing to confront and learn from his mistakes, he retains the protection and order of God's will. From David we learn that no matter how vicious our enemy is, they cannot match the ferocity of God. And when an evil person goes against a children of God, they confront God Himself.

17:2 The plot to attack David while he is weary and weak, not factoring into the situation the faith that makes David resilient and strong in every moment. Because our enemies continuously neglect the fact that we are made strong by God when others try to enfeeble us, 2 Corinthians 12:10.

How cowardly of them to attack a sole and weary man! David charged into numerous battles against the evil without such cowardice because he allowed himself to be raised, disciplined and instructed by God. God enabled David to destroy evil face-to-face, when the opponent is most ready. With a little stone and a lot of faith, he leveled a giant.

Goliath, Saul and Absalom all evidence to us the truth of Paul's words in Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Each of the aforementioned men represent an underlying issue: Injustice itself. Corruption itself. Evil itself. David has remained on the side of righteousness throughout them all. Perhaps he begins to realize that the thorns need not be removed so much as the roots do.For God has flicked these men out of existence since the beginning and though evil persists, His ultimate effort is to uproot it. Cut off its source, not just the men who work for it. 

It's important for us to contrast the difference between Absalom and David. Absalom uses deceit and cheap shots to establish himself... but corruption is unstable. Though he looks strong and thinks he is winning, he is simply providing God an opportunity to show just how fruitless his attempts really are.

Ahithophel counts on the cowardice of David's followers but neglects to acknowledge the cowardice of himself and Absalom. For evil does not, cannot, understand the strength and courage of a child of God. In the previous chapter, David offered to release his supporters already, to free them from conflict, but they chose to remain and fight for justice by standing firmly against injustice.

7:3-4 Ahithophel declares to Absalom that he will bring back defeated loyalists of David as servants of Absalom. He falsely believes that through corruption he can bring peace. The fickle crowd of the elders of Israel switch allegiance. David can only count confidently on God. We must trust God to love us, value us, protect us. David does not rely on the love and support of his kingdom because He knows that his relationship with God determines the condition and future of his life.

Might it have hurt David to lose the support of the people he loved and led so well? Very likely. But it did not kill his spirit. David trusts the will of God above everything else. Above his own feelings. Above the opinion of people. And so while the majority is convinced against David, David is not outnumbered because he stands with God... and therefore is stronger than them all.

17:5-6 Hushai (David's spy) is approached by Absalom. Absalom asks his advice: should he follow Ahithopel's plan to kill his father and scatter his men? Hushai is in a difficult position as he cannot reveal his true loyalties but also cannot allow a plot against David.

17:7-10 Hushai therefore uses truth and common logic to refute Ahithopel's plan. He states that David is a strong man, well-versed in combat, and not likely out in the open to be killed so easily. Moreover, he reminds Absalom that David has the motivation to strongly defend himself and his family; the destruction Absalom has caused has enraged David.

17:11-13 Hushai tries to convince Absalom to go into battle himself, rather than send others. Hushai buys time by also encouraging Absalom to build a wider population of support.

17:14 Absalom and the men of Israel choose Hushai's advice over Ahithophel's which was actually strategic unwise:  For the Lord had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring disaster on Absalom. Now that Absalom would go into battle, he can be removed. The adviser may not have been foolish in this moment, as David had wished, but his advised were foolish: they choose the more dangerous course of action.

17:15-16 Hushai passes on the information to Zadok and Abiathar who will warn David to flee from where he is before the army approaches him.

17:17-19 Loyalists to David, Jonathan and Ahimaaz are discovered by Absalom. They evade capture through a woman's well; she covers their escape tracks.

17:20 The woman directs Absalom's servants in the wrong direction.

17:21-22 David and his men are able to cross over the Jordan, away from Absalom.

17:23 Ahithophel leaves and kills himself after Absalom chooses not to follow his advice. Likely Ahithophel understood that their course of action would lead to David's victory. As a betrayer of a king, he probably saw no future for himself.

17:24-26 While David reaches Mahanaim, Absalom and his men cross the Jordan in pursuit of David and his men. Absalom names the captain of his army: a man named Amasa. Absalom comes to the land of Gilead.

17:27-29 David finds rest and abundant provision from three men: Shobi, Machir and Barzillai. God always provides! God ensures that David and his men have the rest and strength they will need to face the army currently pursuing them. In desperate situations, trust God to orchestrate your victory, your rescue and ensure your strength.

OT: The Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 16

2 Samuel 16:1-23

16:1 David still resides in the mountain away from the city. Ziba meets David and brings provision: donkeys, loaves of bread and raisins, fruits and wine. 

16:2 David asks Ziba why he brought so much. We see another glimpse of David's character; for although David is king, he does not expect the people under his authority to spoil him. He's genuinely curious as to why Ziba would bring so much. Ziba claims to have honorable intentions: the provisions are meant for David's men, to make their travel easier and their bodies strong. 

16:3 Though Ziba seems to have honorable intentions, he tells David that Jonathan's family has turned against him. Ziba claims that Mephibosheth seeks to claim the throne that Saul, his grandfather, formerly had.

16:4 David transfers his support and gratitude to Ziba and Ziba accepts.

16:5 Meanwhile, tensions are rising against David. A man named Shimei (a relative of Saul) questions David's authority and seeks the restoration of Saul's kingship. 

16:6 Shimei proves to be a vile man: he's angry and violent. With a group of men around him, Shimei curses David and thrones stones at him and the people with him.

16:7-8 Shimei accuses David of being a bloodthirsty man. Ironically, the truth is that David refused on multiple occasions to kill or even harm Saul. David never intended or plotted to take the throne from Saul. Those loyal to Saul hope that the feud between David and Absalom will create an opportunity for a new king to rise.

16:9 Those loyal to David, are repulsed by Shimei's behavior and accusations against him. They want to silence Shimei, take his life, for they find it presumptuous of him to act against king David.

16:10-11 But David commands his servants to stand down. David allows the man to speak freely. After all, no one is more aware of the truth of David's flaws than David himself. David will not command a man to be killed for calling him bloodthirsty; David knows that there have been moments in his life where this accusation is actually true. 

Moreover David understands Shimei's tantrum as a moment of learning. David is not perfect and throughout his life, situations arise to remind him of the ways he can still improve his actions and responses to difficult circumstances. The moment provides David an opportunity to evidence to God that he is indeed a changed and repentant man; it is an opportunity to show God that he is the same man he has been in the good and faithful moments of his life as well. He will not needlessly kill the people in his life who present a challenge to him. 

David had Uriah killed because he presented a challenge to him. Wrapped in denial and deception and lust, David went against himself and succumbed to his imperfections. For some time in his life, David stopped trusting in God's ability to plan and provide and he stole something that did not belong to him. David will not steal another life when he knows there is a greater purpose underneath the accusations against David. If David were to kill Shimei, he would be denying that he has been a bloodthirsty man. God has healed and restored and forgiven David precisely because David has admitted to that specific flaw.

Ultimately, Shimei's accusation was off base and perhaps uwarrented. But David is not concerned with Shimei or the ruckus around him, he is focused solely on God. Therefore, resolution is certain. David's restraint communicated to God that he trusted God to handle the situation.

16:12-14 David chooses to walk by faith. Although Shimei follows and torments and taunts David, David is unyielding in his decision to trust God's will. The situation causes us to ask ourselves, can we be taunted away from God's way? David chooses to accept the situation as a lesson from God rather than a personal conflict between himself and Shimei. 

The people with David grew weary and needed refreshment. And likely it was a difficult journey for David as well. Shimei is a symbol for all of the things, people, and circumstances in our selves that seek to derail us: anxiety, insecurity, fear, enemy, greed, hopelessness. Though they make us weary, they must not make us fall. If those things are persistent, so must our strength of faith be. 

16:15-16 On Absalom's side of things, Hushai arrives to declare his (fake) allegiance in order to infiltrate Absalom's group.

16:17-19 Absalom reasonably questions Hushai's sincerity but Hushai claims that he follows the allegiance of the people, and since they have switched sides, so had he.

16:20 Absalom seeks the advice of Ahithophel. David previously wished that Ahithophel's advice would become foolish; in this instance, David probably regretted that wish.

16:21-22 Ahithopel's advice is indeed foolish... and also unjust and cruel. Ahitophel instructs Absalom to lie with David's wives. If Absalom claims David's wives, his position as king will not be refuted. Therefore, that is exactly what Absalom does. David had left his family to remain home while he fled to the wilderness. Absalom claimed them.

16:23 Ahithopel's advice was highly regarded; everyone listened to and obeyed his counsel. Again we see the stark difference between a faithful and unfaithful ruler; Absalom would do anything to ensure his position as king: betray his family, harm his family, corrupt the tribes of Israel, deceive and usurp. 

OT: The Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 15

2 Samuel 15:1-37

15:1 Absalom began to boast his position as the king's son. He surrounded himself with a small army; everywhere he went, the large group preceded him. We learned in 2 Samuel 14:25 that Absalom is seen as a handsome man. As Absalom builds his reputation for being handsome and powerful, he begins a rebellion against his father.

15:2-3 Plotting the destruction of David's reputation as a compassionate and attentive king, Absalom would halt people from going to David for judgement on the cases they brought. For as a king, David served as a judge over matters people could not settle between themselves. Absalom told the people that David was unavailable. Further than that, Absalom sides with them on their cases, ingratiating himself to the population.

15:4-6 Absalom unofficially makes himself a judge. He redirects people seeking David toward himself and judges their matters with  selfish and deceptive motive. He portrays himself as a kind and just king and "stole the hearts of the men of Israel." The problem is that while David is a servant of the people, Absalom is serving himself.

15:7-9 Absalom's plans to usurp his father are heavily underway; he has won favor with the people and now he has plans to create rumors of his own kingship. Absalom speaks to David and tells his father that he made a vow to God to visit Hebron. With David's permission, Absalom can go to Hebron, David's former headquarters.

15:10-12 With Absalom go hundreds of men to Hebron. Though the people in attendance as well as David believe it only to be a spiritual journey, Absalom plans for the group to look like a parade for a new king. Suddenly the rumors become rampant and David's position as king is no longer secure. 

15:13 David realizes that Absalom has fragmented Israel; the people now look to David's son as king. 

15:14 It becomes imperative that David must flee; Absalom's intentions are clear: he wishes to take the kingdom. David understands that while he is still alive, Absalom's reign will not be complete or official. Therefore David begins to fear for his life and the destruction of the tribes he has been working to reform. 

15:15-18 David's servants remain loyal and travel with him to the outskirts of the city, offering support and protection.

15:19-20 As king, David improved relations between the children of Israel and other nations. At this time, David releases his allies from his service; he does not feel that they should have to participate in Israel's civil war. 

15:21 Rather than depart, however, this man Ittai declares his faith in the God of Israel and chooses to remain with David. Ittai displays courage and bold faith; though he has a fair and reasonable opportunity to avoid the impending mess and destruction, he chooses to stand with God's chosen king.

15:22-23 Therefore the group continues to travel together across the Brook of Kidron (away from Jerusalem). 

15:24 Zadok and the Levites travel with David; their responsibility has always been to protect the ark of God. They are the teachers of the faith and thus hold a very (perhaps the most) important position in society.

15:25 But David commands Zadok to return the ark of God to Jerusalem. David is a humble king and a faithful child of God. He believes that if he is meant to reign in Jerusalem as king, God will return him there. David feels that he does not have to travel with the ark of God because God will always keep His children connected to Him and precisely where they belong on earth.

Moreover, the ark of God does not need to flee. God's presence is absolute. No matter where David travels, God is powerful and present. No matter how cunningly Absalom plots, God's authority overrides. 

15:26-29 David also knows that if God does want David removed from the city, he will not try to force his way back into it. David trusts God's decisions and even though his flaws displeased God at times, David trusts that God loves his repentant heart. He trusts that God is still looking out for him. David is willing to accept being dethroned by God if that is what He chooses. 

David tells Zadok and the Levites to return, for it is essential that the teachers of the faith keep the faith alive among the tribes. After all, that is the point of everything: to unite people with their God. The feud between David and Absalom should not harm God's ultimate intention of establishing a connection between Himself and humanity.

David's ability to remove himself and his own problems from the greater picture make him a man after God's own heart. Before David, Saul fought desperately to retain his kingship. But David puts the will of God before everything, even if it means a complete reversal of his life.

15:30 But we must not mistake David's humility and strength for stone-heartedness. He climbs the Mount of Olives and weeps. There is a vast tear in his family life. His own son has made him an enemy. His position as king has been destroyed. His future is uncertain. He's left his family. David chooses to be strong in difficult moments.

15:31 David discovers that his wise-counselor pledges allegiance to Absalom and prays to God that the man will lose his ability to counsel wisely. He's distraught, the betrayal of those closest to him hits hard.

15:32-37 After worshiping God and spending time in His counsel, David has a plan. David decides to send one of his loyal servants, Hushai, to Absalom as a spy. He instructs Hushai to pretend he is switching allegiance so that David will have inside intelligence on Absalom's plans to oust David. Hushai will also have the support of Zadok and Abiathar the teachers of the faith.