Read 2 Samuel 14-15.
Absalom escaped before any revenge might have taken place
for the murder of his half brother Ammon.
The general of David's army, Joab, witnessed the story
technique of Nathan that stirred David to action. So, he coached a woman to deliver a made up,
sob-story to arouse David's attention.
This resulted in David ordering Joab to bring Absalom home. However, there remained a rift between David
and his son. David continued to show a
lack leadership initiative in not resolving this widely known family problem.
Then in a moment of frustration, Absalom committed arson to
get attention. He demonstrated again
some serious character flaws. But David
welcomed him affectionately and without dealing with the sins, all seemed to be
at peace.
Next, Absalom began to assemble a following. He openly took advantage of David's inaction
to woo the loyalty of the people to himself.
It was nothing short of treason against his father! This conspiracy went on for four years. Absalom even lied about his true intent to
leave the city, saying he wished to worship the Lord. Indeed, the real purpose was to stage an
outright coup.
This mighty warrior-king, now an older man, refused to fight
his son's challenge and mournfully left Jerusalem . Chapter 15, verse 30 states that "David
went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives ,
weeping as he went, barefoot, and his head covered." It is the same mount where the Lord Jesus
prayed the night He was betrayed and arrested.
Insights:
1. When it seems that someone got away with sin, remember
sin does not go away by itself. It must
be confessed or confronted. Without
either, things will only get worse.
2. When it seems everything is turned against you, there are
still those who will remain your friends.
See the words of Ittai and Hushai in the second half of chapter 15.
3. When it seems all is lost, remember the story is not
over. God is still in control. What David did not resolve, God will take
care of, but it will be even more painful.
"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an
evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as
it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of
sin." Hebrews 3:12-13
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