Absalom Flees to Geshur

II Samuel 13:34–39
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Absalom has run away and one of the guards noticed a lot of people on the road to Horonaim so he told the king (v. 34). Jonadab said to the king, here come your sons (v. 35) and no sooner had he said it than David’s sons came in weeping and David and all his officials also began to cry loudly (vv. 36- 38). David was sad for a long time because Amnon was dead.

Absalom had run away to Geshur, where he stayed with King Talmai who was the son of Ammihud.  David continued to feel so sad over the loss of Amnon that he wanted to take his army and capture Absalom (v. 39). David’s love for his own, despite their faults, often clouded his good judgment (I Kin. 1:6). His yearning to see Absalom sets the stage for Absalom’s return and the resulting rebellion (II Sam. 14). Still, David never lost his desire to know and please God. He became mighty in spirit because he never wavered in his love for God and he grew close to the Lord because of his heart’s desire to spend time alone with the Lord. This is where spiritual greatness is born when a person is willing to spend time in the presence of God. David’s life shows us that God isn’t looking for perfect people to serve Him, but rather for those who have a heart and commitment for Him.

Application

I believe that the most important thing we can do on this earth is to share with people how they can be sure of going to heaven when they die (John 14:6). I want to pray daily that I will have compassion for people who are not saved, have the power of God on my life (Acts 1:8) and the boldness to share the gospel with them.