Meeting on the Mount of Olives

And it came to pass, that when David was come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat rent, and earth upon his head. —2 Samuel 15:32

As David left the priests, he turned his feet toward the Mount of Olives.

Those who followed him had left their homes and belongings.

Families had been torn apart by politics.

David’s followers were fleeing for their lives.

At this moment, someone came to him, confirming more disturbing news.

“Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness” (2 Samuel 15:31).

“Again David was forced to recognize in his calamities the results of his own sin. The defection of Ahithophel, the ablest and most wily of political leaders, was prompted by revenge for the family disgrace involved in the wrong to Bathsheba, who was his granddaughter.” Upon reaching the top of the mount, David bowed his head in prayer.

Everything seemed to be coming apart, and he knew not which way to turn. In deep humility, he asked the Lord for mercy. It seemed as if his prayer was instantly answered. Who should appear at just this moment but Hushai, the king’s loyal and faithful counselor (1 Chronicles 27:33). Hushai had come to throw his lot in with his friend David and share exile with his king. David must have been extremely grateful to receive some good news for a change.

Hushai appeared with his coat torn and earth upon his head, signifying he was in mourning. David’s greeting to his friend must have puzzled him at first.

“If thou passest on with me, then thou shalt be a burden unto me: But if thou return to the city, and say unto Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king; as I have been thy father’s servant hitherto, so will I now also be thy servant: then mayest thou for me defeat the counsel of Ahithophel” (vv. 33, 34). David took Hushai into his confidence by revealing that he should coordinate the passing of information with the priests Zadok and Abiathar.

The priests would then task their sons, Ahimaaz and Jonathan, to carry word to David. This spy system might yield valuable information and possibly even defeat the cunning counsel of Ahithophel. When things look their worst, God often sends help that brightens our attitude.