Read: 2 Samuel 15:1 – 16:14 & Psalm 3
Though reconciliation was made
between Absalom and David to some extent, Absalom’s intentions are for the
throne. With charisma and a façade of compassion he steals the hearts of the
people of Israel. With a smile, a pat on the back, a word here and a word
there, he sows discontent into the minds and hearts of his fellow countrymen. David
was a beloved king, and so Absalom must have had incredible charm to woo the
people of Israel away from his father.
Absalom knows how to take his
time. He waited two years for the right opportunity to kill his brother, and he
spends four years worming his way into the hearts of Israel before making his
first traitorous move. He may have appeared somewhat chivalrous in the previous
chapters in his attempt to protect and avenge his sister, but we see that the
heart of Absalom is really no different than that of Amnon: while Amnon lusted
for pleasure, Absalom lusts for power. God had promised that a descendant of David
would always reign on the throne of Israel. Absalom wanted to ensure that he would be that descendent, and so
after four years of strategy, he begins to gain a following in Hebron. Even
Ahithophel the Gilonite – David’s own counselor and a man lauded for accurately
speaking the word of God – switches over to Absalom’s side.
Why would the nation that cheered
David’s name and eagerly crowned him king allow such subversion? David is not
the man he used to be. He seems debilitated as a father. Absalom won the hearts
of Israel in broad daylight. As king, David must have known of his son’s
behaviour, yet he did nothing to stop it. He has become a somewhat passive
ruler. The dejection and defeat is easily sensed as he gathers the royal family
and servants and leaves Jerusalem. Even while David is joined by a faithful
band of foreigners who refuse to leave his side, his spirits are low. However, while
he seems extremely passive as a leader, even idly enduring an enemy’s curses,
Psalm 3 shows him leaning heavily on the Lord. “Many are my foes! Many are those who are rising against me! Many are
saying that You have abandoned me! But you, O LORD, are my shield.” David had walked with God long
enough to know the peace of the “BUT GOD” principle. Circumstances may seem
insurmountable… BUT GOD is the Almighty One. The stain of sin seems
unpardonable… BUT GOD can cleanse man of any sin. Weakness and strife seem to
prevail… BUT GOD is the everlasting God who does not grow weary or faint. David
knew that, though his circumstances were changing yet again, God was constant.
His faithfulness and mighty salvation were as near as they had always been. And
so, though David may appear weak to the reader, we see Him relying on the only
One whom he can securely trust.
So perhaps David’s passivity
is better described as weary resolution. He is at the end of his strength and
is relying on God, declaring truth about the Lord, even though he may not feel those things to be true. While he
is not defending himself against his enemies, we do see him taking some action:
he prays that God would turn the council of Ahithophel to foolishness and sends
one of his men, Hushai, undercover to Absalom – a decision that God will use
vitally in protection of the throne.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. God
does not change. What is true about Him when we are on a spiritual high is as
true when we feel very far from Him. What are some things you know are true about God even thought you
don’t feel that they are. Take time
to specifically thank Him for these things.
2. We
see David’s people standing in judgement of him as he leaves Jerusalem. It is
easy to judge people when we see extreme changes in them, but it is not our
place to judge. Ask God to show you how you have cast judgement on others.
Confess this as sin and pride and ask God to give you a heart of love and grace
for others.
3. Where
do you need to focus on the “BUT GOD” principle? What is something going on in
your life that seems insurmountable or unfixable or impossible? Ask God what He
wants you to know about Himself. Thank Him for this.
