April 29: 2 Samuel 17:15–29; Psalm 3; Psalm 63; 2 Samuel 18:1 – 2 Samuel 19:30

Hushai Saves David – 2 Samuel 17:15–29

• Hushai tells Zadok and Abiathar the priests to find David and tell him to cross the Jordan into the wilderness or else he and his army will perish. David and all his people do as directed, and Ahithophel, realizing his advice had not been followed, went home and hung himself.
• David arrives in Mahanaim, and Absalom's army sets up camp in Gilead. David is met by Shobi and Makir, who provide food for him and his men.

Save Me, O My God – Psalm 3

• David counts his foes, but realizes that the Lord is a shield around him. He pleads with God to save him.

My Soul Thirsts for You – Psalm 63

• David seeks God in his time of trouble but also claims his confidence in God's protection.

Absalom Killed – 2 Samuel 18

• David musters the men with him and sends them out under the command of Joab, Abishai, and Ittai the Gittite. David intends to go with them, but they refuse. David tells the commanders to deal gently with Absalom for his sake.
• In the forests of Ephraim, the men of Israel are defeated by David's army, with a loss of 20,000 men. Absalom is riding his mule beneath the branches of an oak, and his head becomes stuck in the branches, suspending him over his donkey. Joab learns of this and takes three javelins into Absalom's heart.
• Joab blows the trumpet, and the men of David fall back. Joab throws Absalom into a pit in the forest and throws stones over top of him. All of Israel flees to their homes.

David Hears of Absalom's Death

• At Joab's agreement, Ahimaaz, the son of Zadok, carries the news of their delivery from the men of Israel. 

David's Grief

• While Ahimaaz is with David, the Cushite arrives with the news of Absalom's death. David retires to his chamber to mourn his son, saying that he would have died for him. 

Joab Rebukes David – 2 Samuel 19

• Joab learns that David is mourning Absalom, and he rebukes David, telling him that if Absalom was alive and all of David's men were dead, he would be pleased. He tells David that if he does not go out and treat his men kindly, none of them will stay with him. David does as instructed.

David Returns to Jerusalem

• The men of Israel decide to invite David to be their king again.
• David returns to Jerusalem with escorts by the men of Israel.

David Pardons His Enemies 

• Shimei and Ziba fall before David to beg his forgiveness, and Abishai asks if they should be put to death for cursing the Lord's anointed. David declares that they should not die. David also pardons Mephibosheth, who claims his servant Ziba lied to David by saying that Mephibosheth chose to stay in Jerusalem (Ziba took his donkey so he had no way to travel).