October 11, 2021
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Reading along with us in 2 Samuel? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Samuel 15 (NIV)
Absalom’s Conspiracy
1 In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. 2 He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, “What town are you from?” He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” 3 Then Absalom would say to him, “Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.”............Continue Reading
Absalom is clever and is carefully gathering support to take over the kingdom. David’s reaction is both peaceful but smart. Instead of just marching into a battle he retreats away with the help of friends that stick with him despite the growing popularity of Absalom. David is not foolish, he finds a way to keep an eye on Absalom.
David respects the ark and consults God in each step. He knows he has made mistakes but is trying to follow God and accept whatever end may come to him.
2 Samuel 14&15
2 Samuel 15
2 Samuel 15
Absalom does what a typical person who seeks division does. He promotes himself and his cause at every opportunity and discredits the person he is opposed to. Even with all his sins and mistakes, David is still the anointed and the one who has the hand of promise upon him. God is not opposed to leaders being addressed with the wrong things they do, but He doesn’t support division. We need to watch out for elements like this in us and others that promote division in any setting. Now David is letting things happen under his nose and he doesn’t take steps to address Absalom in what he is doing. He also has not addressed all the wrongs and disappointment that Absalom has suffered from David’s passivity. But he is wise and thinking of his people by leaving the city. He knows there would be far more bloodshed if he fought with Absalom. It is neat to see the people dedicated to David even as he is being disgraced. He is also wise to set up this spy network so he can find out what is going on. But the best thing is that he is trusting God to work things out….God will be the judge between them and will determine how much the counsel of Absalom’s advisors will be frustrated. So it is ok to pray things like that when we find people opposing us, but we leave it up to God and trust how He will resolve things.
Absalom uses deception and infiltration to commit treason.