Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-11-07

CONTENTION receiving intelligence
of Absalom's rebellion David fled from
Jerusalem. Leaving his place in the care
of his employees he was escorted by his
chosen heroes and the faithful Cherethites
and Pelethites. Passing out of the east
gate. over the Kedron, up the Mount OF
Olives. onward into Benjamin, across the
Jordan. he pushed forward TO the north
ern boundaries of the tribe of Cad. In
the way the great body of people eXhib-
tied their affection for their sovereign.
food and various articles were brought
for his comfort. His interview with "a
dok, the priest, and with the servant OF
Mephibosheth was extremely tender. Inc
enmity of Shimei and the kings forbear-
ance show that David was broken ana
humble in spirit. AS his father left Jeru-
salem, Absalom entered. Having been for
mally proclaimed king he proceeded to ap-
propriate all prerogatives and treasures.
even to his shame. Shortly after. having
consulted those about HIM. ne set out with
a powerful army against the ex-led ia her
FLEEING-David established ms
headqua rters at Manhanaim, one OF the
principal strongholds east OF the JORDAN.
The city was built on the spot where cen
of angels Gen. XXXii:1-2), from Wn-ch
circumstance it's name was derived. ISM
bosheth, the son Of Saul. who was mace
king of the ten tribes on the death vi HIS
father, set up his capital here. ul sam,
ii:8-9). The town was well situated ana
might be easily held against very large
force. If compelled to evacuate Dav-9
might retreat toward Damascus, ana
there gain the support of his Syrian allies
and through them gain the throne which
his son had usurped. Mahanaim was 10
David more than a place Of security. Like
the Wartbure to Luther, it became a
sanctuary There, during his three
months of retirement, he had rare oppor-
tunity for study and communion Win
God, and it is generally believed that our
ing the time he wrote Psalms XIII iAn, IN
and Xxi. There can be no doubt that tne
season was one of great spiritual profit
WAITING.-At length news came
that Absalom's army was approaching,
David divided his forces into three grano
under Joab. ipisnai ana 10.
Yielding to the entreatieS OF the people,
who feared for his safety, he remained
in the city. Confiding in his tried vet
Grams and in the help Of GOD. ne gave
but one command as they went out 70
battle and that perta1ned 70 ApsaloIn
verse So Seated between the outer ana
the inner gate. probably where justice
was administered, he waited the issue.
To give him the earliest intelligence a
watchman was sent to the tower over
the gate, where. gazing southwark ana
westward, he might catch the first signs
of victory or defeat lisa, xx1:6). Inat
Waterman had the oriental spyglass. OF
shorter range than our modern pieces
but adequate to its purpose (Ezek.'
xxiii:2-6). How YEARLY the hours
passed: What emotions of hope and or
fear came to the hearts Of all! The mode
of warfare a hand-to-hand encounter,
permitted little to be known until all
was over. =,
RUNNING.-Suddenl the man In
the tower beheld a man in the distance
ha stening toward the king. Shortly after
a second man was seen approaching with
rapid pace. David judged that the man
brought good news, for. had the army
been defeated, greater NUMBER would
escape in disorder. In those days VIC
torious generals were accustomed to send
messengers by this method to their mas
ters. In this case the foremost left Joab
last. He had been detained awhile, but
afterward. by earnest pleading, Obtained
permission oversees 1929. His name was
Ahimaaz, a young priest son of Zadok,
the high priest, who was David partlcu-
lar friend. The other runner, Cush1. was
a servant of Joab. Nothing is known of
him, except that his name Is Ethiopian,
and he must, therefore, have been black
man. The first came out Of love, the sec
ond as a duty. Love is always fleetest of
foot Usa, lii:D. AS John outran Peter
to the sepulcher of the risen Lord, so