2 Sam 17-18 Tragedy of Absalom - consequence of David's sin. Close calls getting to the throne 2023

2 Sam 17:1
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, "Please let me choose 12,000 men that I may arise and pursue David tonight.

2 Sam 17:2
"And I will come upon him while he is weary and exhausted and will terrify him so that all the people who are with him will flee. Then I will strike down the king alone,

2 Sam 17:3
and I will bring back all the people to you. The return of everyone depends on the man you seek; then all the people shall be at peace."

2 Sam 17:4
So the plan pleased Absalom and all the elders of Israel.

The plan of Ahithophel was to immediately pursue King David and kill him. This will give the crown of the kingdom to Absalom. Taking the reigns of the entire nation of Israel depends on seeking out and killing David.

2 Sam 17:5
Then Absalom said, "Now call Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear what he has to say."

2 Sam 17:6
When Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom said to him, "Ahithophel has spoken thus. Shall we carry out his plan? If not, you speak."

2 Sam 17:7
So Hushai said to Absalom, "This time the advice that Ahithophel has given is not good."

Hushai knew that David needed more time in order to devise a plan against Absalom's men. Ahithophel would have caught David off guard. Hushai would rather have Absalom take control of the campaign instead of Ahithophel
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2 Sam 18:33
And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And thus he said as he walked, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!"

David's concern for Absalom far outweighed his desire for a victorious report. His grief in light of the death of his son reduced the victory to futility. The tragedy of Absalom was the consequence of David's sin.

2 Sam 17:21
And it came about after they had departed that they came up out of the well and went and told King David; and they said to David, "Arise and cross over the water quickly for thus Ahithophel has counseled against you."

There was a lot of bravery and close calls in getting David back onto the throne.