The story of David and Absalom ends tragically. The end of the story is recorded in [2 Samuel 18-19](http://biblia.com/books/nlt/2Sam18]. In this story Absalom becomes the third son of David to die after he committed the sin with Bathsheba.
How does Absalom’s delay benefit David (18:1-3)?
David was able to rally his troops and to gather his men. He was able to organize his army and prepare for a battle with Absalom’s men.
Why did David order for Absalom’s life to be spared (18:5)?
Absalom was David’s son. David wanted to believe that this could all turn out well. That everything that was broken could be restored. He did not want to believe what was happening and what Absalom had done. It was too much for him to bear the death of another son after he had already lost two.
What was the result of Absalom’s selfish play for the throne and lust for power (18:7,14-15)?
Absalom was troops were beaten. 20,000 men lost their lives. Absalom himself was killed by Joab, the commander of David’s army.
Why do you think Joab was able to so easily disregard David’s order not to kill Absalom and even reprimand David (18:14-15; 19:1-8)?
Joab knew that Absalom could not live if David was going to be king. It was either Absalom who would die or David who would die. Joab was a harsh man. He took matters into his own hands. David had allowed Joab to get away with so much in the past. If David had not stood up to Joab in the past, he was not going to stand up to Joab now. Joab had done all the dirty work that David was not willing to do. An example was the killing of Uriah the Hittite. David sent the command for Joab to carry out the order. I am sure Joab had enough dirt on David that Joab knew he was safe.
Why was David so shook up over Absalom’s death (18:33)?
David’s world was crashing in down around him. He had got this throne back and peace was restored, but it was a tremendous cost. David wept over the turmoil that he caused for the kingdom and for his family.
Most of chapter 19 deals with the aftermath of Absalom’s revolt. Describe the relationship between justice and forgiveness. How are both practiced in this chapter?
David practices mercy and forgiveness. There were those who had been loyal to him during this difficult time. David rewards them for their loyalty. At the same time there were also those who had not been loyal and had even sought to take advantage of David in this situation. But David practices mercy. He knew that punishing them would have done no good and was not in the best interest of the kingdom or his throne. Although, I am sure he had a personal grudge against Shimei.
