Avshalom's Rebellion

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1. Avshalom's Rebellion (Part I)

   Chapter 15 (I)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   The chapter begins with preparations for Avshalom’s rebellion, and later describes the uprising and David’s swift response. This lesson will examine both camps, and study the surprising link between David’s escape from Jerusalem and the Book of Ruth.

2. Avshalom's Rebellion (Part II)

   Chapter 15 (II)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   While David was running away from Jerusalem, the city was finally awarded religious status. What brought about this change? And how does David cope with Avshalom’s uprising?

3. Chushai and Achitofel

   Chapter 16 (II)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   Hushai ha-Erki was sent to Avshalom in order to prevent Ahitofel’s plan. What means did Hushai use? Why did Ahitofel tell Avshalom to sleep with his father’s mistresses? And why was Hushai silent, instead of negating Ahitofel’s advice?

4. Chushai's Counsel

   Chapter 17 (I)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   In a brilliant speech, Hushai successfully thwarts Ahitofel’s well-crafted plan. How did Hushai achieve this end? How is this episode similar to the story of Rehavam receiving advice at the start of Yerovam’s uprising?

5. David Crosses the Jordan

   Chapter 17 (II)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   Despite the acceptance of Hushai’s plan, David flees toward the Jordan River. What is the meaning of his actions? Who assists David, and what is the symbolic significance of this assistance?

6. The Death of Avshalom

   Chapter 18 (I)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   David embarks on the final battle against Avshalom full of trepidation about his son’s future. How does the text critique David? How was Avshalom put to death, and why specifically in this way?

7. The Report About the Death of Avshalom

   Chapter 18 (II)

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   David waits in anticipation to hear about his son’s fate. The news arrives in an unexpected way. What is the purpose of describing the event in this way?

8. Mizmor 3

   A Response to Suffering

   Rabbi Avi Baumol

   There are various ways of dealing with suffering. In Mizmor 3 David uses a three-pronged approach to suffering that was brought upon him by Avshalom’s rebellion. He describes his suffering, he declares his faith in God and he cries out to God for salvation.

9. A Calamity Upon Your House: The Betrayal of David’s Sons

   Dr. Yael Ziegler | Hour and 6 minutes

   King David stayed back from leading Bnei Yisrael into battle against Amon, went for a stroll on his rooftop and it was all downhill from there. In an act of sexual violation and bloodshed, David's whole life turns around. His punishment comes in the same manner, sexual violations and bloodshed, through his children. David in his greatness not only accepts his punishment, but welcomes it until the end of his life. He recognized the power he may have abused as a king and lost a part of his inner moral compass, making some very passive decisions, until the very end where Natan Hanavi and Batsheva convey the message that it's time to step up and appoint Shelomo as the heir to the throne.

10. Lesson 24: This man David

    Prof. Yehuda Elitzur

    David was a courageous and confident man. He was never at a loss how to get out of an awkward situation, never at his wits ends. In his long and difficult career as a soldier and monarch he neither despaired nor panicked. He always coolly appraised his enemy and acted with speed and determination. However, his battle against his son, Absalom, reveals a new side of David.