David's Spy Enters the Castle

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 15, 17, Psalm 7

From Hushai's Journals

Let me make this clear, beyond all doubt, I am loyal to David, the man of God. I will say this to my dying day.

David recently fled the castle after his son Absalom declared himself king. I went with David to show my loyalty, but at the first rest stop he asked me to return to the castle and say to Absalom "I will be your servant, O king as I was your father's."

He wanted me to confuse the counsel of Absalom's advisor and bring him to defeat.

I felt honored to be chosen to serve my king in such a way. I returned to the castle and met with Absalom. Immediately I bowed before him and said, "Long live the king!"

Absalom's left brow rose. "Is this your way of showing loyalty to your friend, David? Why didn't you go with him?"

I bowed again. "No, but whom the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel choose as king, his I will be, and with him I will remain. As I served in your father's presence, so will I be in yours."

I'm not sure he believed me, yet. He turned to Ahithophel, his advisor, and said, "What do you think I should do with Hushai?"

Ahithophel lowered his brows and smiled like only a villain would. "My lord, I think you should go to all the women David left to take care of this castle and marry them, right on the rooftop, that all Israel may see. This will show the people you have, indeed, taken the throne of your father." He glared at me. I chose not to say a word at this time.

Ahithophel continued to give Absalom advise. He made his words sound like God had given him the counsel to share with Absalom. But, Absalom did not throw me in prison.

The next day Ahithophel, that rotten guy, suggested Absalom give him twelve thousand soldiers to chase David and his men and  conquer them. "David will be weary from travel, lack of sleep, and little food." He said, "I will bring back all his men, except David, of course. David will be killed and his men will be reunited with your followers. Then the country will be at peace under your rule."

Thankfully, God stirred Abaslom's heart to seek my advise. I received a message to go to the king's chambers. Absalom told me Ahithophel's plan. "What do you think, Hushhai? Should I do what he said?"

I stoke my beard. "My lord, I'm sorry to say, Ahithophel's plan is not good at this time. You know your father and his men. They are strong, mighty men and angry like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. They will not be tired. 

"You father is a man of war and will not camp with the people. Hmmm, surely by now he is hidden in some pit or some other place. For all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man and those with him are valiant men.

"No, I advise you to send word and gather all the men of Israel, from the northern corners to the southern, and go to battle against David and his men. We will fall on him as the dew leaving not one of David's men alive."

Everyone in the chamber looked at Ahithophel then at me. They nodded, and said, "Yes, Hushai's advise is much better. Let's do what he says."

I bowed in appreciate of having my advise accepted. Ahithophel's eyes flashed with anger. 

Thankfully, the Lord put in their hearts not to follow the wise advise of Ahithophel. It really was the better counsel. 

My work had only begun. Now I must let David know the plan so he can formulate an escape plan

Here is a Psalm we sang. You cal it Psalm 5:

Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.
 Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.
 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up.

 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

 But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.
 Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face.

 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
 Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You.

 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
 For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

******************************* 
1. What is Hushai's job?
2. What is Ahithophel's job?
3. Who was Hushai loyal to?
4. Who was Ahithophel to?
5. What did David ask Hushai to do?
6. Was Huhai successful?

Hudson Taylor-Burning of Our Beloved City

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

My first two missionary journeys made me excited to go on more. I couldn't wait to travel to cities deeper in China and tell the people about God's love and hope. Nothing could make me happier than to see a Chinese soul understand His message and ask Jesus to be their Savior.

On my first journey, as you may recall, I traveled with a fellow missionary from another organization. We barely escaped death. He preached and I gave out New Testaments. You can read that story here I went on my own for my second missionary journey. It was thrilling! My first solo missionary journey.

Two missionaries from other organizations joined me for my third missionary journey, a hike to the south. I liked going by boat for the first two journeys but not every city is connected to the river. We packed our bags and walked southwest of our home in Shanghai ready to tell anyone we met about Jesus.

The people were intrigued with our words, and of course the weird clothes they thought we wore. They all wanted copies of the New Testament. At the end of the day, the three of us climbed a high hill to sing praises to God, read Scripture, and pray. We felt refreshed, ready to start the next day with new energy. 

From that hill we saw our beloved city of Shanghai. Smoke billowed high in the sky. The imperialists must have attacked the rebels in the city. Concerned for the people living there we packed our things and hurried back.

Along the road several rebels who had escaped the city ran to us. "Please save us," they cried. I looked at the other two missionaries who had lived in China longer, wondering what we could do. 

Alexander and John shook their head and sighed. "There is nothing we can do. We are foreigners and only three men. We can not interfere with the war." 

Before another minute past, imperialist soldiers grabbed the rebels and killed them, right in front of us. We ran the rest of the way back to the city to help those who survived the attack. 

Walls of buildings lay broken on the ground. Men, women, and children lay dead. My heart ached for the people. We searched the ruins for survivors, bandaged wounds, and spoke  words of comfort to their hurting hearts.

After the attack, the city found peace. Not that lives would be restored, but that a rebuilding could start. The other missionaries in the city and I joined together to help the people. 

This was the time to start a great ministry. The need could grow no greater. 

The mission that sent me still had not sent the requested funds. The Parker family and I didn't even have enough to survive. This was winter time and our rental home had absolutely no heat.

I needed to get help in another way. God please show me what to do. I need funds to do the task you have given me. I felt God's strong leading to ask others for help. 

I wrote to my mother who lived in England and poured out my heart. "Oh if there could be a rich acquaintance who could send  a thousand pounds to help us build a hospital, school, and other needed buildings. Maybe the ladies could gather together and hold a bazaar to raise the money. Please, Mother, do what you can to help the people of China."

Please pray that someone would send us funds . . .  soon.

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-His Men Obeyed Even Though They Didn't Want To.

by Mary Vee

II Samuel 16

From Abishai's Notes

I thought...I expected the kingdom to be settled in Jerusalem for all time once David sat on the throne. God anointed him king, and the people should have honored God's chosen one.  Recently, Absalom, David's son stole the people's heart and the throne.

I gave my allegiance to king David and will always remain loyal to him. The price we who followed him had to pay was banishment from the city where we had our homes. We brought our families, our wives and young children and left possessions we could not carry. When we slept at night, we had no idea where we would go the next day. 

But in all the uncertainty we had blessings. We had our king leading us, remaining faithful to God. We had our families, laughter, singing, and the knowledge we made the right choice, no matter how difficult.

On our journey we came to Bahurim in the country where Saul's family lived. A man named Shimei stomped out from his house cursing at David. He threw stones at our king and all the servants walking beside him.

The guards swarmed around David to protect him. Shimei yelled, "Come out! Come out! you blood thirsty man, you scoundrel. Can't you see the Lord has brought upon you this punishment for taking the thrown from the house of Saul? Now, see, the Lord has given the kingdom to your son, Absalom. Hah! Now you are caught in your own evil because you are a bloodthirsty man!"

I couldn't endure hearing another evil word from this man. He had no right to speak this way to the one God appointed as king. I leaned close to David and said, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Please let me go over and take off his head!"

I was ready. This man, Shimei would never say another evil word to my king again. My blood boiled and I had a burst of energy ready to take on an army.

But the king said, "No Abishai. Let him curse. The Lord has put this in his heart. Who can then say, why has David killed Shimei. No. Abishai. Leave him."

David turned to all his servants and said, "See how Absalom, my son, works to end my life? How much more should this Benjamite man? They both think they are right. Let this man alone and let him curse because the Lord has ordered him to do so. Maybe the Lord will look on my grief and hardship and repay me with good for enduring this cursing."

We didn't want to, but we obeyed David's orders. Shimei followed us along the hillside continuing to curse and throw stones. He even kicked dust on David. Imagine, having the nerve to kick dust on the king. Oh, if only I could have squashed that bug.

At long last we walked further than Shimei was willing to follow. There we took a break at a river.

Here is a Psalm we sing. You call it Psalm 4

Answer me when I pray,
    O God, my defender!
When I was in trouble, you helped me.
    Be kind to me now and hear my prayer.

 How long will you people insult me?
    How long will you love what is worthless
    and go after what is false?

 Remember that the Lord has chosen the righteous for his own,
    and he hears me when I call to him.

 Tremble with fear and stop sinning;
    think deeply about this,
    when you lie in silence on your beds.
 Offer the right sacrifices to the Lord,
    and put your trust in him.

 There are many who pray:
    “Give us more blessings, O Lord.
    Look on us with kindness!”
 But the joy that you have given me
    is more than they will ever have
    with all their grain and wine.

 When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace;
    you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.

********************************************

1.  What tribe did Shimei belong to?

2.  What did he do when David and his followers walked by his land?

3.  Why did he do that?

4.  What famous Israelite belonged to the same family as Shimei?

5.  What did Shimei want?

6.  Who tried to protect king David?

7.  What did David tell him and all his followers?

8.  Did they obey him?

David-The Devoted and the Snakes

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 16

From Ziba's Notes

Everything is in a turmoil. No, I'm not exaggerating. 

King David, his staff and loyal followers have escaped the city of Jerusalem, fearing Absalom's sword and the army he'd gathered. What caused this mess? Absalom's greed, jealousy, and anger with his father, David.

My own master, Mephibosheth, chose to stay at the castle. After all King David did for him, welcome him to his table, treated him as a son, gave him land, and food. If his father, Jonathan, could speak from the grave he'd speak a great disappointment. Despite my words, Mephibosheth said he wanted to stay just in case the thrown came back to his family. What he meant was himself. More greed and jealousy. Will it never end?

Knowing David and his followers would be hungry I went to our storehouse and gathered a gift and took it to the mountain where I knew he would lead the people and waitied. I brought a couple of saddled donkeys carrying two hundred loaves of bread, one hundred clusters of raisins, one hundred summer fruits, and a skin of wine.

David and his followers arrive shortly after I did. They walked as weary people even though the journey would not have been that great. How sad to be chased from your home unjustly. 

David's eyes met mine and his face brightened. Having the burden to run a kingdom is a great one to bear, but having the burden to lead people from their homes into the wilderness with no promise of food or shelter is greater. Still, the man had a kindness I've not seen in others. 

He had no idea I brought gifts. And though I was nothing more than a servant of a man who had betrayed David, he still greeted me with kindness. 

I bowed before him. "My lord, the donkeys are for the king's household to ride on, the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine for those who are faint in the wilderness to drink."

David leaned to the side and looked beyond the donkeys. "And where is your master's son?"

"My lord, Mephibosheth stayed in Jerusalem. He said, 'Today the house of Israel will restore the kingdom of my father to me.'"

He looked me in the eyes. The silence made me wonder what he was thinking. At last he said, "Here, all that belongs to Mephibosheth is now yours, because of your loyalty to God's anointed one."

I did not expect such generosity. I bowed. "I humbly bow before you, that  may find favor in your sight, my lord, O king."

I shall continue to serve King David, and will call him king until his dying day no matter who attempts to sit on the thrown. For the Lord God of Israel has appointed this man to do his work, and him only will I serve.

Here is a Psalm we sing, You call it Psalm 7:

O Lord, my God, I come to you for protection;
    rescue me and save me from all who pursue me,
 or else like a lion they will carry me off
    where no one can save me,
    and there they will tear me to pieces.

 O Lord, my God, if I have wronged anyone,
    if I have betrayed a friend
    or without cause done violence to my enemy^[b]—
    if I have done any of these things—
 then let my enemies pursue me and catch me,
    let them cut me down and kill me
    and leave me lifeless on the ground!

 Rise in your anger, O Lord!
    Stand up against the fury of my enemies;
    rouse yourself and help me!
Justice is what you demand,
     so bring together all the peoples around you,
    and rule over them from above.^[c]
 You are the judge of all people.
    Judge in my favor, O Lord;
    you know that I am innocent.
 You are a righteous God
    and judge our thoughts and desires.
Stop the wickedness of evildoers
    and reward those who are good.

 God is my protector;
    he saves those who obey him.
 God is a righteous judge
    and always condemns the wicked.
 If they do not change their ways,
    God will sharpen his sword.
He bends his bow and makes it ready;
     he takes up his deadly weapons
    and aims his burning arrows.

 See how wicked people think up evil;
    they plan trouble and practice deception.
 But in the traps they set for others,
    they themselves get caught.
 So they are punished by their own evil
    and are hurt by their own violence.

 I thank the Lord for his justice;
    I sing praises to the Lord, the Most High.

*******************************************
1. Ziba was a ___________  of Mephibosheth.
2. Where did Ziba meet king David?
3. What did he bring him and why?
4. Where was Mephibosheth?
5. Who did Ziba choose to be loyal to and why?

Hudson Taylor-First Solo Journey

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

Every detail had been finished. I could hardly express the excitement riveting through my veins. At last, I was ready to go on a missionary trip alone.

It would be my second journey up the river to villages and cities well beyond the protected thirty miles, but my first trip alone. No one to speak for me. No one to translate.

I had a ship, well, a tiny one and an old one, but a river worthy ship. I hired a Chinese crew, always best to have crew who understood and spoke the language of the water and its traps. I had studied and practiced the language so many hours. Hah I found myself answering Mrs. Parker's English spoken question in Chinese! She laughed with me.

I loaded medical supplies, food, and Testaments and ran up the plank to board. How is it that the sun poked through the clouds at that very moment? I took a deep breath and for once during the war, it didn't smell full of gunpowder. 

My energy level outgrew my body, I seriously could have run the whole thirty miles to my destination. Well, maybe not seriously. But, well, have you ever looked forward to something so very much that when the time came you couldn't stand still? Yes. This trip was mine.

The crew set sail and went about their work like experts. The ship groaned begging to rest a few more days. No. Not possible. I would be the cruel taskmaster and force it to leave dock. This. . . sigh . . . this was my solo missionary journey.

Freezing winds filled the sails. January temperatures in China did not bring a balmy vacation breeze. I didn't care. The temperature would not hold me back. Not now. I had waited many years...so many years to tell the Chinese about Jesus. No Christmas present, or any other gift could come close to this moment. Crisp winds snapped my face as the ship sailed on. 

I didn't wander aimlessly up the river to the first cities I found. No. This moment deserved a plan. I set the course for Chuansha, Nanhui, and Zhapu. 

In Chuansha I chose to give the New Testaments only to people who showed me they could read. It may sound cruel, but the illiterate would use the pages to line their shoes from the cold. When the people saw I had medical supplies, they brought twelve patients who needed care. What a great opportunity to share God's love.

After docking at Nanhui, the eastern gate suddenly closed, preventing my entry. It wasn't night. I went around to the west gate and found it open. City folk gathered around me and touched my clothes. They stared at my pants and shirt, so different from their clothing. I took the opportunity to preach. As I spoke, more men and women came to hear what I had to say. One was the city official who I later found out ordered the east gate closed to keep the strange looking man out. He smiled when I gave him a New Testament. More than four hundred people came to hear God's Word!

In Zhapu, I again preached and gave a New Testament to those who could read. The food in this city was very cheap, much cheaper in Shanghai. I spent as much as I could afford to stock up and take back home.

The trip back to Shanghai had freezing winds, like the journey there. I hardly noticed. I stood on the deck and let my mind rewind my first solo journey. God blessed me with no issues. He must have known my first trip would encourage me to take the future ones. 

It did. I can't wait to go again!

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-First Thought: Worship

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 15

From David's Journals

courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

I looked back at the city.

Walking away with great sadness because my son, Absalom, had taken over the kingship. It broke my heart. On the other hand, a mighty strength, a resolve rolled around in my veins, boiling within me because God had given me the job and I needed to finish my work.

We crossed the Brook Kidron to escape. The Levities carried the ark of the covenant of God. 

But at the brook, I spoke with Zadok. "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If, somehow, I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me back and show me both the ark and the dwelling place. If, I don't find favor, let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.

"In fact, Zadok, you and your sons should stay in the city with the ark. I will wait in the wilderness for a message from you indicating I can return."

Zadok and his sons bowed and picked up the ark, carrying it back to the city where they remained.

I needed to spend time worshiping God. I led the people up to the Mount of Olives, weeping as I walked barefooted. My head was covered. 

During this time, a messengers reported one of my advisors had gone with Absalom. I lifted my eyes to the heavens and prayed, "O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness."

Near the top of the mountain, Hushai ran toward me. Hushai had been a good friend and also an advisor. His robe had been torn and filled with dirt. I couldn't let him go with me, this would only stir up more trouble. " Hushai," I said. "Go back to the city and tell Absalom you will be his servant as you were his father's servant."

I held up my hand to make him wait for further instruction. "Listen carefully. Whatever you hear from the king's house, go and tell Zadok and his son, Abiathar the priests. Through them you can send me everything you hear."

He bowed to me and nodded. "I will be happy to serve you, my lord." 

Thank you, my friend. God be with you until we meet again.

I don't know how long we will have to wait in the wilderness, Lord. Please bring us back home soon.

****************************
1. Why did David and his loyal people run from the city?
2. What did David tell Zadok and his sons to do?
3. Where did David lead the people with him? and Why?
4. Who met David at the top of the mountain?
5. What did David tell the man to do?

During this time David was inspired to write this Psalm. 
Psalm 3

I have so many enemies, Lord,
    so many who turn against me!
 They talk about me and say,
    “God will not help him.”

 But you, O Lord, are always my shield from danger;
    you give me victory
    and restore my courage.
 I call to the Lord for help,
    and from his sacred hill^[b] he answers me.

I lie down and sleep,
    and all night long the Lord protects me.
 I am not afraid of the thousands of enemies
    who surround me on every side.

 Come, Lord! Save me, my God!
You punish all my enemies
    and leave them powerless to harm me.
Victory comes from the Lord—
    may he bless his people.

David-Death Threat and the Loyal Ones

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 15

From David's Journal

courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

The day had hardly begun when a messenger ran to my chambers and asked to speak with me. The man had sweat pouring down his face and his eyes wide with fright. Of course I let him meet with me.

"My lord," he huffed with deep breaths as though scared about something.

I called to my servant, "Bring this man some water."

"My lord, my message cannot wait. The people of Israel have taken to Absalom. They like him and want him to be king."

King? So that is what he has been doing. "Bring all my servants here at once." I had to get everyone out of the castle and to safety right away. 

Absalom had asked permission to go to Hebron to offer a sacrifice to God a few days ago. He said he wanted to show God his willingness to serve Him. The boy lied to me. He wanted to announce kingship there and overthrow my rule.

The servants crowded into my chamber and waited for my instruction. "Gather your things, quickly or we won't escape Absalom in time. Absalom has declared himself king which means death to anyone loyal to me. Hurry or he will overtake us and attack the city with his sword."

The servants bowed. "We are ready to do whatever my lord, the king, commands." 

Everyone scurried to gather supplies and other necessities and met at the gate. I led all those loyal to my crown away except ten women who were to take care of the castle in my absence.

At the outskirts of the city where the brook Kidron flows I stopped and had everyone in the group cross the river before me. I wasn't sure who all wished to show their loyalty and wanted to greet each one. All my servants, the Cherethites, Pelethites, Gittites, and six hundred men from Gath paraded past me. 

And then I saw Ittai and Gittite. "Stop." I called to them. "Why are you going with us? You only came to my household yesterday. Should I make you wander up and down through valleys and caves hiding? I don't even know where I'm going. Take you families back to the king. Mercy and truth be with you."

Ittai bowed before me, keeping his eyes low to the ground. "As the Lord lives, and as my lord lives, wherever you lead, whether in death or life, we will go. We remain loyal to you."

How could I send them away after hearing those words of dedication? Such loyalty must be rewarded. "Go, cross the river and join the others, you and your families."

There was great weeping from the people as we crossed the river, fleeing our home, and escaping into the wilderness a place of unknown. Who knows how long it will be before we can return. Who knows where we will sleep or what we will eat. Lord please protect us.

********************************
1. What message did the messenger bring David?
2. What did it mean?
3. Did David choose to stay and fight?
4. Who did David call to meet with him and what did he tell them to do?
5. Why did David stop Ittai an Gittite?
6. What did they answer the king?
7. Where did David and the people who followed him go?

Hudson Taylor-Freezing

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

After the near escape of the teen crowd threatening to harm us, my missionary friend and I did not shy away. Oh no. We took our rescue by the local teacher as a message from God telling us to continue to preach the Gospel in that city.

On the other hand, we wanted to be wise. We returned to our boat gathered satchels full of Chinese New Testaments and went back the city. 

We walked quickly and handed the little books to anyone who wanted them. If someone wanted to ask a question we spoke to that person but never went to a public place and called crowds to come and listen to our message. A much better idea.

We were inspired to travel further up the river. This had not been done before by any other missionary because it took us beyond the thirty mile range of protection offered to foreigners. 

With this success, God gave us the strength and confirmation to sail onto Jiaxing, a city deeper into China. We had been warned of the unsafe border region where many criminals lived and had their businesses. But God blessed, like I knew He would, and allowed us to step on shore unharmed.

Jiaxing was a beautiful city surrounded by a wall and a mote. The people prospered with trading cotton, silk, copper goods, and books. Around the city, huge plantations of mulberry trees provided leaves needed to feed silkworms. 

The city managers came to greet us and promised our safety and even provided  men to protect us while we visited. The people gathered around us, curious about the strange looking men who gave little books. 

We gave away every book we had then returned home. In all, we traveled eight days for this missionary journey, my first in China. This was where the work needed to be done. Deep in the heart of China where many people had never heard about Jesus. 

Excited from the successful trip I bought an old boat and all its equipment with some of the last funds I had. I increased my study time of the language both the Shanghai dialect and Mandarin.

The ministry prospered. 

Until I received a note from the mission agency who owned the house I rented. They wanted the house back. The Parker family, who also live in the house with me, had not received enough housing or food money either. We both suffered with barely surviving on the small sums sent. The people in our homeland didn't understand the our needs.

I wrote our missionary agency and desperately asked for money to build a compound with a doctor's home, hospital, school, living quarters. We needed several thousand pounds.

In the meantime winter came. Evening temperatures dipped into the twenties. The homes we rented had no heat. I sailed up the river to buy cheaper wood and mixed the burning wood with charcoal and salt-petre, put it in a container with a lid and set it under my bed. At least I had some warmth at night.

Please pray that our agency will send us money to stay warm, have a home, and buy food. It's difficult to do missionary work when hungry, cold, and no home. Thank you.

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?



Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David: Absalom's Plot

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 15

From Absalom's Servant's Notes

courtesy visualbiblealive.com

I am recording these events in this post, hoping someone will notice and maybe put a stop to it. My loyalties are with King David. The chosen one for Israel's throne. He is a kind and blessed king and I don't want anything bad to happen to him.

His son, Absalom, is wicked. I didn't notice this until recently, and I apologize for not telling anyone sooner. But maybe this warning is not too late.

I had worked in Absalom's household for many years. He cared for his sister Tamar after her half brother Amnon hurt her. He has sons and one daughter whom he named after his sister. Absalom even ached to see his father and begged an audience with him.

I believed him. Thought he truly loved his father. Until. . .

Absalom hired chariots and fifty men to run before him--everywhere he went in the country. The people loved his pageantry. They came out of their houses to see the handsome and grand prince waving branches and bowing before him.

He asked me to wake him early each morning. Before the sun rose. He dressed and ate a quick breakfast then hurried to the gate where the people made appointments to tell their concerns. Anyone who came with a lawsuit to bring to the king he greeted especially nice.

Absalom stepped toward the person and reached his hand toward them. With a concerned smile he asked, "What city are you from?" When they answered he then said to them, "Your case is good and right. Sadly there is no deputy of the king to hear you." He would lift his chin a little and say, "Oh, if I were judge in the land, then when anyone had a case to be heard, I could give them justice." He leaned forward and gave the person a hug and kiss on the cheek. "I wish you well."

The man or woman usually walked away sad Absalom would not be the judge for their case.

One by one Absalom secretly won the hearts of the people. For forty years he prepared the people for his evil plot.

One day he requested an audience with King David. He bowed before the king and gave the impression he meant great respect for him. "May I have permission to go to Hebron, father? I wish to honor a vow to the Lord which I made long ago in Gesur. I promised the Lord if he brought me back to Jerusalem I would serve Him."

David, of course gave permission for such a worthy request. But he did not know what Absalom really planned to do in Hebron. Absalom sent spies into all the tribes to tell the people, "When you hear the trumpet sound shout 'Absalom reigns in Hebron!'"

Absalom took two hundred men from Jerusalem with him on his journey to Hebron. They did not know his plan. He also invited David's counselor to join him. The conspiracy grew strong and the number of people with Absalom increased.

I must stop here. Some one is coming. I will continue this report next time.

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1.  The servant reporting this news says Absalom is ________
2.  When Absalom returned to Jerusalme he hired _____________
3.  Each morning Absalom rose early and went to ________ and told the people _____
4.  Why did he do this?
5.  After forty years Absalom requested permission to go to _________
This is an important city. It was a home for Abraham and many important events took place there.
6.  Did those who were invited to Hebron with Absalom know what was going on?
7. Now we ask, what do you think Absalom is planning to do?