Charles Spurgeon Commentary 2 Samuel 15

Absalom had, by devious means, insinuated himself into the hearts of the children of Israel and led a rebellion against his father David, so that he could obtain the crown for himself.

And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. 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.

It must have been a severe peril which compelled so brave a man as David to say to his servants, "Arise, and let us flee."

And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.

What a loyal spirit they displayed in the time of trial! Oh, that such loyalty could always be found in all the servants of King Jesus!

But, alas! many of his servants pick and choose which of his commands they will obey. Some of them will not understand the plain letter of Scripture; and others of them know their duty, yet they do not do it. There is reason to question whether we are the servants of Christ if we do not have the spirit of obedience to him.

Brothers, let us search and look, in the book of the King's ordinances, and see whether we are walking in all of them blamelessly. If we can say that we are, it is well; but I am afraid that there are some of his commandments which we would rather not understand; or if we do understand them, we are not in a hurry to obey them. How easy it is to make excuses for not doing what we have no wish to do! Blessed are those Christians who can say, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my Lord the King shall appoint.

And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom. 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.

There is much to admire in David's conduct when he fled from Absalom, but yet his courage would seem to have nearly forsaken him. In his brighter days before his great sin had weakened him, he would have been master of the situation; but now he trembles in the presence of the great calamity.

And the king's servants said unto the king, Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord, the king shall appoint.

They were attached to him – ready to take his counsel at once.

Can we say the same to King Jesus? Will every Christian here now say to his Master, "Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my Lord the King shall appoint?" There are many who pick and choose from Christ's commands. They do not obey all his will. There are known duties which are neglected—plain precepts which are willfully forgotten. I wish to God we could all say from our heart to King Jesus, "Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my Lord the King shall appoint."