The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-08-22
LESSON STORY.

The news of Absalom's treacherous
conspiracy at Hebron was speedily
carried, and with natural exaggerations
to David, in Jerusalem. 1t a few hours,
David knew, the overwhelming rebel
army would be at the gates of the CAPT.
tai. Instant flight only was left to the
surprised king. Early the next morning
the king with his household left his pal
ace in the care OF ten women; these ten
may have been those who could not. for
apparent reasons, awaken Absalom's
enmity.
David paused to form his caravan on
the bank of the Kedron, at the gate of
the city.
This day of fight is crowded with
events.
The body guard Of the king, number
ing six hundred, which had been kept
intact as an organization from the time
when the king had but six hundred fol-
lowers in the wilderness,-proffered 10y
atty to it's old captain. A CLEAN of light
in the gloom. distinguished Philis-
tine named Ittai, recent convert to
Israels religion. proffered fealty to Da-
vid, and no discussion by the king could
make him remain in Jerusalem and ia
vor the rebel standard. Another CLEAN
of light. David gave the order for the
caravan and it's military escort to move
over the brook. He fingered behind.
Important matters pressed upon him
for decision. Zadok led out from the
city all the Lsvites bearing the ark of
the covenant; and Abiathar, the second
high priest, after proffering loyalty,
passed on before and up Olivet to watch
for the enemy. This was assurance to
David of the support Of the priesthood.
But he declined the offer; he ordered
that the ark be carried back to Jerusa-
lem. David now learned that his trusted
counsellor and kinsman Ahithophel was
among the conspirators; the news gave
him new pangs. But the pledge of de-
votion from Hushai. an aged diplomatist
not inferior to Ahithophel. revived his
courage, and he sent Hushai back to the
city that he might use his best endeavor
by diplomacy to confound the counsel
of Ahithophel in the cabinet of Absslom.
This counter plotting was scarcely fin
ished. Hushai had barely returned to the
city. David had barely reached the brow
of Olivet, when Absalom and his sold.
iers took possession OF Jerusalem.
While David was lingering and look
ing back from the brow Of Olivet on the
lefty. Zba, the old steward of Saul, now
the steward of the estate of Mephibos.
beth, appeared with supplies for David's
caravan, and with the shocking report
that his master, the son of Jonathan, re-
manned in the city because he was a
traitor to David. David. off-hand, be-
lieving without a word of inquiry the
false story, rewarded Ziba's audacious
treason with the gift of Mephibosheth's
estate.
When David on the way eastward had
reached the village of Bathurim, about
four miles from Jerusalem. he vas sub
jected to new humiliation. Shimei,
an adherent of the house of Saul who
had never been reconciled to David's
reign, appeared on ridge at the side of
the line of march and began to insult
and curse David. He cast stones at him,
testimony of David's criminality under
the law; he hurled epitbets. character
izing David as usurper and man of
blood, which must have been as painful
to David as the stones would have been
it they had fallen upon him. "Out, out"
cried Shimei. that Absalom may reign
in thy stead; all the blood that thou
hast shed is now returning to thee!'
And David would suffer no reply to be
made to Shimei; no force was used to
restrain his insulting curses. Yet the
words of Shimei were as iron in his
soul.
In due time David and his household
reached Mahanaim in Gilead. the for
mer capital of Israel. Meanwhile ABB
salon held council OF war in Jerusa-