Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
David is still a fearsome opponent. Absalom has the services of his turncoat counsellor, Ahithophel, but David has a mole in the enemy camp – Hushai. In scenes of low cunning and high drama, Hushai succeeds in overturning Ahithophel's advice and his warning to David that he should escape over the Jordan is safely conveyed. The story is written like a thriller; it's gripping stuff.
Hushai undermines Ahithophel's advice by playing on Absalom's fears. He is intimidated by his father's military prowess, and wants to face him with the largest army he can muster. If he had struck quickly with a smaller force he could have won; instead, his delay gave David the chance to regroup.
The story is about God's preservation of David, his anointed, in the face of terrible danger. But God doesn't appear; there are no miracles or other divine interventions. David is saved by his cunning and courage; Absalom is doomed by his foolishness and cowardice.
Humanly speaking, it could easily have gone the other way. Nevertheless, we're able to see God's hand at work here. In the previous chapter (16.12), David has publicly acknowledged that he is dependent on the LORD's favour. Absalom has no evident relationship with God at all. David is strengthened by his faith; Absalom has nothing behind him but ambition. There's a saying that 'God is on the side of the big battalions'. It's not true; God is on the side of those who love and trust in him.
God, when the odds seem hopeless, help me to trust in you.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
Read the Bible 
Processing...