1 June 2008

The life of Absalom.

2 Sam 3:2 And sons were born to David at Hebron: his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam of Jezreel; 3 and his second, Chileab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

Absalom was not the first born but Amnon in Hebron. His grandfather was the king of Geshur.

Trouble began when Amnon rape Absalom's sister Tamar.
2 Sam 13:20 And her brother Absalom said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart.” So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom's house. 21 When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. [4] 22 But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.

What he spoke to her sister is not what he meant in his heart. He bore the anger. Added to that David did not do anything. By LOGIC and what is the most right thing to do, was to take matter into his own hand.

2 Sam 13:28 Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.”

Again what is David response? 2 Sam: 37 But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son day after day. That is Amnon not Absalom.

I believed, Absalom now bore anger against his father and moreover the stay at Geshur, make him feel that he should now take over Hebron. Again, slowly and by what is the most wise thing to do is to take over the kingdom because David is not competent.

2 Sam 15: 13 And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.”

David was forced to flee and Absalom took over the kingdom. But this was not the end. He did what was not good and not right.

2 Sam 16:21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father's concubines, whom he has left to keep the house, and all Israel will hear that you have made yourself a stench to your father, and the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.”

Added, he took wrong councel and further did what is not wise, he intended to kill David - so only that David was his father but also God's annointed one. 2 Sam 17:1I will strike down only the king, Daivd and his men were fighters.

Of course Absalom ended in death.

Do what is God-wise and do not let anger or resentment stored up in your heart. You will be consumed sooner or later and your decision will not follow your heart but your mind and stray away from what is right thing to do in the sight of God. God will be squeezed out.

David always know this - Do not kill what the Lord has annointed. What God has done, who are you to go aginst it. Present the fault lines to God, knowing that the Lord will deal with them - surrender your logic, you anger and allow God to deal with them.

I pray for my family - first as parent that I will be able to guide, show and teach my children the godly way. Act out the right and God -wise thing to do whan my children do wrong.

I too pray for no anger to harbour between the family members. remove them or reveal them such that they may be forgiven and restore the harmony. Amen.