In 2 Samuel, we encounter a story of two of David’s sons. Perhaps the most famous, Solomon, is no where to be found just yet. Absalom was the brother of Tamar and their half brother, Amnon, became infatuated with Tamar, ultimately raping her and then putting her away. Absalom, a good brother, took her in and kept her safe - as she was now ineligible for marriage according to their custom. A few years later, Amnon and Absalom are away from Jerusalem - at a battle in Ephraim - and Absalom kills Amnon. He flees to the home of his maternal grandfather, for fear of consequences. Joab devises a plan to have Absalom return home - sending someone to tell a tale that paralleled that of Absalom and Amnon and then turning the tables so that the king would restore his son. Absalom returns but David refuses to look at him.
Over time, Absalom grew more and more resentful of his “rescue” only to be the scourge of the king. He began to undermine the king, waiting for visitors of the king only to intercept them with saying such as “He’s too busy too see you. If I were king, I would make sure to hear you out.” Over time, his charisma worked and he gained a following in the north. He began his attempt to overthrow David and David, along with most of his house, fled.
Absalom followed him across the Jordan, at the advise of one of his men; however, David had insiders who had warned him to position him exactly where they met. God was on the side of David and planned to destroy Absalom. David, ever loving of those close to him, warned his army not to harm Absalom; however, Absalom became trapped in a tree by is hair in the midst of fighting in the forest of Ephraim. While hanging there, Joab approached him and ran him threw with three javalins to the heart.
When news returned to King David, he wept bitterly for his son. Joab approached him and pushed him to speak with his men, lest he lose them - for he was concerned that this display would indicate that he did not appreciate their battle (after all, 20,000 men fell in that battle). David speaks with them and returns to Jerusalem.
What can we learn here?
I think there are a few things. Firstly, I think David sets a stellar example of how we should love one another. Despite being a mighty warrior, he loved his son and grieved his loss. He had barely spoken to him since the death of Amnon. Despite the clear sins of Amnon against his own daughter, he loved him as well and couldn’t see Absalom without thinking of him. When Absalom dies, he is not glad to be safe from attack, he is mournful of his son and the relationship therein. He doesn’t blame himself for anything but he openly weeps before his military, deeply wounded at the loss of his son.
Beyond this, it is a reminder to seek reconciliation with our family and serves as a warning to those who seek betrayal. God himself will judge those who wrongfully usurp His elect and yet, his heart - and ours if we seek God - is always that of mercy, not death.
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