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.

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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?