2 Samuel 15:7-37
When one thinks of traitors, names like Judas comes to mind one of the 12 disciples of Jesus sold out his master for 30 silver coins. Or if you are a citizen of the United States of America a name that pops into your mind is "Benedict Arnold" quickly became a byword in the United States for treason or betrayal because he betrayed his countrymen by leading the British army in battle against the men whom he once commanded. (Taken from the dictionary)
I’m not sure how many would associate the name Absalom with betrayal and treason, yet he personified those titles. To be such a person you must be deceptive and very self-absorbed. Never has a betrayer put others before his desires, and we will see that with this son of King David.
Where does it all begin, I believe all traitors believe they got the short straw and set out to make things right? Her brother raped Absalom’s sister, however King David was angry and did not punish the act or the actor. Now Absalom has a plan to get even and take away the kingdom, and it is recorded in these verses. “And at the end of four years, Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to the Lord, in Hebron. For your servant vowed a vow while I lived at Geshur in Aram, saying, ‘If the Lord will indeed bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will offer worship to the Lord.’” The king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron. But Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then say, ‘Absalom is king at Hebron!’” With Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem who were invited, guests, and they went in their innocence and knew nothing. And while Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city Giloh. And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.”
He uses fake news to steal the hearts of the people by coming to the King and telling them that the King was too busy and did not care for them. He also looked for significant people in David’s inter-circle that could be swayed to join him; one such man was Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city Giloh.
There is a contrast in leadership between David and his son Absalom, one cares for the city and the people of Jerusalem and the other just wanted the power to make anyone suffer that opposed him. We conclude today with verses 13 and 14, “And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Go quickly, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.”
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
No comments:
Post a Comment