Peter Barnes | 2 Samuel 16:15-17:14
SERMON NOTES
SPY VERSUS SPY
2 Samuel 16:15-17:14
– there is an old cartoon series ‘Spy Versus Spy’.
1. The brutal advice of the worldly.
Ahithophel tells Absalom two things:
(a) rape your father’s concubines – 16:20-21. Even unbelievers will sometimes use the expression: ‘It is the gospel truth’ (16:23).
– 16:22 fulfills 2 Sam.12:11-12. In effect, Absalom was declaring his father dead, and the royal concubines were now his.
(b) attack David immediately – 17:1-4. Absalom is readily agreeing to the killing of his own father. See 18:33. Absalom hardly deserved such tears. He is a man without natural affections – and 1 Timothy 5:8 seems too mild for him.
2. Being shrewd in a fallen world.
– Hushai had some difficulty in convincing Absalom that he was on his side – 16:15-19. Then he tells them about David’s capacities as a soldier and a fugitive – 17:7-10. So wait, gather your forces, then attack – 17:11-13. Hushai is giving Absalom bad advice while dressing it up as good advice.
3. The sovereignty of God over all things.
– David has prayed – 15:31; Hushai is clever – 15:34; and God brings about His own purposes – 17:14b. See Prov.21:1; Dan.4:17, 25, 32.
Far, far above thy thought.
His counsel shall appear,
When fully He the work hath wrought
That caused thy needless fear (Paul Gerhardt).