Absalom wields power and gains popularity by making great promises to the influential residents of the capital. Once he recruits enough men, Absalokm gathers his armies in Hebron and launches an uprising against his father. When the news reaches King David, he prepares to flee the city. His past decisions now seem utterly destructive. His ill-advised compassion for Absalom brought about an insurrection against him. David’s old sins continue to haunt him. David leaves Jerusalem quickly, barefoot and with his head covered – a sign of mourning. David ascends the Mount of Olives weeping and bracing for the hard times ahead. Despite his deteriorated political status, David’s spirit doesn’t break. He summons all his strength, gathers his supporters, and embarks on a new journey.
“And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword” (2 Samuel 15:14)
“And David went up by the ascent of mount Olive, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people that was with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up” (2 Samuel 15:30)
Agility is responding to enlightenment with effective action.
