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10th July
2 Samuel 18:1-17. Absalom dies
- Israel was in a desperate situation because of Absalom’s
rebellion. The aging King David had to rely on his three loyal commanders,
the two brothers, Joab and Abishai, and also Ittai, to quash the
rebellion.
- As usual Joab was very realistic; in fact his attitude was cold and
calculating. For him it went without question that Absalom must die if
peace was to be restored to the nation.
- King David (v.4) commanded these three, as they went in to battle, to
be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake. He allowed his feelings
as a father to dominate his judgement. Absalom had committed treason, and
in those days the punishment for that was death.
- Absalom, whose name means father of peace, certainly did not live up to
his name as he had committed murder earlier—fratricide, in fact. This
happened after his sister, Tamar, had been raped by their half-brother,
Amnon. This outrage should have been dealt with according to the law, but
Absalom took the law into his own hands and murdered Amnon.
- Absalom was reported to be handsome and vain-glorious, having a mass of
red hair, which was the envy of many of his contemporaries. He wanted to
usurp his father’s position and take over no matter what it cost; and
this was his downfall (v.9-17). He had no sons to carry on his name, and
had previously erected a monument to himself known as Absalom’s
Monument (v.18), which shows the vanity of this man. He would not have made
a good king.
- To consider
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- The main impression that we get of Absalom was that he was concerned
only with himself. Can we suggest reasons for this?
- How can we tell the difference between following our selfish desires
and following the will of God?
- Prayer
- Lord Jesus Christ, may we be able to understand and control our
feelings; help us to love, care and be concerned for our families and all
fellow human beings as we grow in faith and understanding of your love for
us. Amen
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