David Forgives Absalom
March 7, 2019
Commentary
In order to show himself in a position of authority, Absalom provides himself a “chariot of horses” and “men to run ahead of him” (vv. 1-6). His plan was to in a simple and subtle way establish himself as a leader of the people of Israel. Early each morning he would position himself along the main road leading to Jerusalem. This was where disgruntled citizens were expected to bring their complaints to a person of royal position. When the person is asked what town he is from and from what tribe of Israel Absalom will assure that person that he has the authority to hear the case. Absalom then suggests that if he is appointed judge he will personally see to it that justice is served. He implies that he himself and not King David, is best suited to provide them with justice. Thus Absalom “stole the hearts” of the men of Israel.
After Absalom has lived in Jerusalem for four years he decides that it is time for him to seize the kingdom (vv. 7-12). As a way of masking his true intentions he asks David for permission to go to Hebron (Where David was first appointed king) to fulfill a vow that he had made to the Lord. David, apparently unsuspecting, tells his son to “go in peace.” Absalom then sends out “secret messengers” to the various tribal territories to tell them that at the “sound of the trumpet” he is to be declared king of Israel. A large group of men from Jerusalem, unsuspecting of Absalom’s true intentions, has accompanied him to Hebron. He then gets Ahithophel, one of David’s own counselors to join him. It is therefore understandable that as Bathsheba’s grandfather he was an enemy of David. This evil alliance of Absalom’s ambition and Ahithophel’s advice causes Absalom’s following to increase.
Application
When forgiveness is offered, do I seek real healing or only peace on the sur-face? Do I avoid repentance because it feels uncomfortable? When relation-ships are broken, do I take humble steps to restore them? Today I will ask God to help me face truth, heal trust, and pursue reconciliation with patience and love.
2 Samuel 14:25–33 (NET)
25 Now in all Israel everyone acknowledged that there was no man as handsome as Absalom. From the soles of his feet to the top of his head he was perfect in appearance. 26 When he would shave his head—at the end of every year he used to shave his head, for it grew too long and he would shave it—he used to weigh the hair of his head at three pounds according to the king’s weight. 27 Absalom had three sons and one daughter, whose name was Tamar. She was a very attractive woman.
28 Absalom lived in Jerusalem for two years without seeing the king’s face. 29 Then Absalom sent a message to Joab asking him to send him to the king, but Joab was not willing to come to him. So he sent a second message to him, but he still was not willing to come. 30 So he said to his servants, “Look, Joab has a portion of field adjacent to mine and he has some barley there. Go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set Joab’s portion of the field on fire.
31 Then Joab got up and came to Absalom’s house. He said to him, “Why did your servants set my portion of field on fire?” 32 Absalom said to Joab, “Look, I sent a message to you saying, ‘Come here so that I can send you to the king with this message: “Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me if I were still there.”’ Let me now see the face of the king. If I am at fault, let him put me to death!”
33 So Joab went to the king and informed him. The king summoned Absalom, and he came to the king. Absalom bowed down before the king with his face toward the ground and the king kissed him.
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