David and Absalom (2 Samuel 13:1 - 19:7)

Just For Starters...

Father and son. A unique relationship among human beings. It can be the worst relationship we might ever have, and yet a controlling, influential bonding seems to still be present. It can also be the best relationship we have, and one that keeps us from many of the sins of youth. Still, when there are many sons, trouble seems to always be around -- a tense atmosphere waiting to explode or an all-out brawl. We only have to remember Jacob and all this sons to understand how a feud among brothers can turn disastrous. Only God's universal will can turn potentially bad situations into good. Such was the case with Jacob and his sons, and so it would be with David and his sons, though not without much tragedy.

The Story?

This story begins with one of David's sons, Amnon, being in love with his half-sister, Tamar. In due time, unable to control his feelings or his passions, Amnon rapes Tamar and then, like unwanted garbage, throws her out of his house. Absalom, Tamar's brother, and Amnon's half-brother discovers what has occurred and plots to kill Amnon. Two years later, Absalom succeeds in murdering Amnon but the story gets out that he has killed all of David's other sons. Absalom is afraid, so he flees to Geshur where he stays for three years, much to the despair of his father, King David.

Joab, David's right-hand man, feels for the king understanding his longing for his son Absalom. Joab enlists the help of a wise woman from Tekoa to convince David to allow his son to return to Jerusalem under the protection of the king. The plan works and the wise woman convinces David to allow Absalom to return though David knows that it was Joab's doing to get him to do this.

Absalom does return but the king refuses to see him for two years. In time, Absalom's frustration reaches a point where he attempts to see Joab to see if he could get the king to see him. Joab pays no attention to Absalom until Absalom burns down one of Joab's fields. Then Joab agrees to see what he can do. Joab is successful in getting the king to see his son and David and Absalom embrace and are reconciled.

After some time though, Absalom conspires to take over the kingdom from his father by winning the hearts of the men of Israel. Absalom goes to Hebron where his doings are out of site of his father, and slowly but surely, Absalom begins to win the hearts of men. David learns of the conspiracy once Absalom has gained much support. David decides to leave Jerusalem while he can.

Absalom comes to Jerusalem, proclaims himself king of Israel, sleeps with his father's concubines, and eventually pursues his father at the advice of one of David's loyal friends. David is warned in advance of his son's pursuit so he gets ready to do battle. Unfortunately, as Absalom was headed for the battle, he gets hung up in the branches of a tree. Joab, and some of his men, discover Absalom hanging in the tree, unable to get down. Joab entreats his men to kill Absalom, himself throwing three javelins into the heart of Absalom.

David learns of his son's death, though he is not told the truth concerning how his son died. David, as is his nature, mourns for his son though his son had become his enemy. Joab is enraged at this display of perceived unthankfulness for David's courageous men. David then returns to Jerusalem to reclaim his throne and his kingdom.

Just the Facts:

* Amnon, David's son, rapes Tamar, Amnon's half-sister.
* Absalom, David's son and Tamar's brother, discovers the incident and plots to kill Amnon.
* Absalom does kill Amnon and then flees to Geshur where he stays 3 years.
* Absalom gets to return to Jerusalem but is not allowed to see his father for 2 years.
* Absalom finally gets to see his father through the efforts of Joab.
* Absalom goes to Hebron and plots to take the kingdom away from his father.
* Absalom wins over the hearts of Israel and takes over the kingdom.
* David flees Jerusalem and prepares for battle with his son.
* Absalom dies at the hands of Joab and his men.
* David mourns the death of Absalom, and reclaims his throne and kingdom.

So What?

* Though there may e a way that seems right to us, vengeance is never right and always seems to bring about death. cf. Prov. 16:25 and Romans 12:19,20. Let the Lord take care of the wrong-doings of others. Let Him take His vengeance in His time in His own way. That's not our business. Our business is to trust in God and His justice to handle things. Absalom didn't trust in God's rule or justice, so he dealt out his own -- and lost.
* Though you may be only teenagers now, someday you will be moms and dads. This story teaches us the importance of being a good parent, and the consequences of being a lousy one. David, for all his good, failed in many ways; to be the father (and husband) that God has in mind for all of us. David seemed to fail to instill godly values in his sons. Maybe he had too many wives, thus many brothers, half-brothers, sisters, half-sisters all wanting one man's attention and love. Maybe David was just too proud, too busy, too neglectful to give his kids what they needed. A great king, with not-so-great sons can tear a country to pieces. You can make a long time difference in history by being a conscientious parent.