Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

people that are with him be swallowed up."
David, worn out with toil and grief after that first day of
fleeing, received the message that he must cross the Jordan that
night, for his son was seeking his life. What were the feelings of the
father and king in this dangerous, terrible time? In the hour of his
darkest trial, David's heart was fixed upon God, and he sang:
Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they
who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, "There is no
help for him in God." But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My
glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my
voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I
awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten
thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around.
Psalm 3:1-6
In the darkness of night, David and all his company crossed the
deep, swift-flowing river. "By morning light not one of them was
left who had not gone over the Jordan."
David and his forces fell back to Mahanaim, which had been
the royal seat of Ishbosheth. It was a strongly fortified city set in
mountains that served as a safe retreat in case of war. The country
had abundant supplies and the people were friendly to David.
Absalom, the rash and impetuous prince, soon set out in pursuit
of his father. His army was large, but it was undisciplined and
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