The Tanakh Podcast

Today we discuss David's conflict of interests and his mixed messages when his army has to face down the forces led by Avshalom.
David instructs Yoav not to kill Avshalom, whereas Yoav instructs the army to kill Avshalom. Who was correct?

Today we discuss two advisors: Achitophel and Hushai. Achitophel seems to be the man who's views are always correct, whose perspective is always wise and insightful. However in our story Avshalom follows Hushai's counsel and rejects Achitophel. We shall propose that Achitophel has a burning personal agenda that skews his thinking.

The mutiny continues. 
Our chapter contains four scenes, four encounters: Two as David flees Jerusalem; two as Avshalom enters the city.

Avshalom is back in Jerusalem. He wastes no time at boosting his popularity and discrediting his father, King David.
Soon after, he asks for permission to sacrifice in Hebron, the city in which David was crowned, and he launches a mutiny against his father.
David and his close circle abandon the city, preferring to flee rather than thrust Jerusalem into war and bloodshed.
We will examine David's state of mind before and during this tragic and challenging moment.

Avshalom is in exile. But David is pining for him. Yoav orchestrates his return to Jerusalem, and then Avshalom forces his way back, using Yoav, to high society.
In this chapter we witness David as a conflicted person, conflicted between his values and his parental love.
We also observe Avshalom's fierce resolve, a perseverance which will become dangerous in the upcoming chapters.