Absalom enters the city of Jerusalem which his father, David, had just vacated. All seems to be in Absalom's favor. David's most trusted adviser, Ahithophel, instructs Absalom to demonstrate his power over David by making the king's concubines his own. A tent is placed on the roof of the palace for Absalom to carry out this heinous act of treachery and adultery.
Soon, Absalom begins to doubt the advice of Ahithophel; and when the advice he gives is not followed (and is successful), Ahithophel returns to his own home and commits suicide. He had committed treason against one king and was impotent to serve another. His life, in his estimation, was not worth continuing.
David, meanwhile, is sustained wherever he travels by those who are loyal to him. What an encouragement to the king; although his family is at odds with him, the citizens he rules are still favorable to his reign.
A battle soon ensues between the forces of David and those of Absalom. David gives implicit instructions that Absalom is NOT to be harmed. Finding Absalom caught in a tree by his hair, Joab (David's commanding general) quickly disobeys the king's order and kills the prince. David, upon hearing news of his son's death, weeps uncontrollably. No matter what the contention between them, this was still his son.
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