Tag: Absalom

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

I just can’t wait to be king!

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Christian Chen on Unsplash

A “through the bible” devotion from 2 Samuel 15.

The light turned green, but I waited for a moment. In that moment, a car sped through the intersection. If I hadn’t hesitated, I might have died in the collision.

I’m very glad I waited.

If Absalom had just waited, he would have ascended to the throne when his father David died. But he can’t wait. He just can’t wait to be king.

So Absalom starts acting like he’s running for office.

  • He rides around in a chariot with fifty attendants, as if he were the king (2 Samuel 15:1). Optics are important, right?
  • He’s got time for people who can’t get an audience with the king. He makes campaign promises like, “If I were appointed judge in the land…everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.” (15:4)
  • He treats everyone like a friend. “Whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him” (15:5). 

Absalom did this for four years and “stole the hearts of the people of Israel” (15:6). His popularity soars and the people are willing to declare him to be king. David wisely flees before any violence breaks out.

There will be plenty of violence. But when the dust settles, Absalom dies. David retains the throne.

If only Absalom had waited.

Posted in Through the Bible Devotions

Acting out

Posted on by William Douthwaite
Photo by Jure Širić on pexels

A “through the bible” devotion from 2 Samuel 14.

I can tell when my dogs feel like they aren’t getting enough attention. They go out of their way to find a grandkid’s toy to chew on, one of my socks to drag into the backyard, or a stick to bring into the house from the backyard. One of the dogs will “spite pee” on a bathroom rug if he’s feeling ignored. They know how to get our attention!

They’re just like kids, only furrier. Children know they’ll get plenty of attention if they misbehave, make a mess, or ignore you when you are talking to them.

It’s a tale as old as time.

David and his son Absalom are estranged after some family drama. David’s oldest son Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar. Two years later, Absalom, her brother, avenges her by having a drunk Amnon murdered at a feast. It is three years before David summons Absalom back to Jerusalem. But they don’t actually meet face-to-face. Guess what message that sends?

Two years later, Absalom wants Joab, David’s general, to arrange a meeting. Joab ignores him twice, so Absalom sets fire to Joab’s barley field. That gets his attention and an audience with his father, the king.

I know, that is extreme. But it makes me wonder, what have I done because I wanted or needed attention? Complain? Say a long, long prayer? Ignore someone? Say something inflammatory? Speak loudly? Or proudly?

In those moments, I need to remember that God always pays attention. As soon as I begin to pray, he’s listening. Sometimes he’ll say, “Cut it out!” (Repent!). Other times he’ll say, “Sounds good. Here you go.” Still other times He’ll just listen. My prayer goes on and on. He just listens.

He doesn’t notice me because I act out or accomplish something. He’s my God. He’s my Father. And I will always be his dearly loved child.