Absalom revealed himself to be the consummate politician. We know that he was vain about his looks and appearance because of the note about his hair in the previous chapter. No doubt he was quite good looking and possessed a great deal of personal charisma that attracted the admiration and acclaim of everyone. We see how he made promises that made David look bad, promises that he could not fulfill even he ever really intended to do so. His behavior resembles our own political climate. And in true political fashion, he used religion and God to mask his evil intentions. He was a self-centered deceitful man who cared nothing about the Lord. He was out to gain power and make a name for himself and in the process destroy all those who get in his way including his father whom he hated with great passion.
When Absalom declared himself King, David and his followers fled Jerusalem. It is strange that he did not consult the Lord, did not make plans to oppose his son and go into battle. Perhaps he thought that this was a fulfillment of Nathan’s prophecy of troubles arising from within his own family. If Absalom’s rebellion was part of the Lord’s discipline, he was not sure he should resist. In addition, he may have been concerned that if he stayed and defended Jerusalem, he would be placing all its inhabitants at risk. Finally, David loved Absalom and did not want to fight or kill him. He cannot enter into battle if his heart was not in it to win. Yet Absalom was perfectly willing to kill David.
Perhaps one lesson we learn is that sometimes it is better not to resist evil-doers but let them have their way. Greater evil may result from our fighting and answering them in kind. Instead we should allow the Lord to defend us and administer justice. Yet the way of the world is always to exact vengeance, to pay back evil for evil. Such behavior leads to ever increasing violence that resolves nothing.
Comments