2 Samuel 15:7-12
Verse 12 While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept on increasing.
Now that Absalom has started to gain a following he decides it is time to make things official and he puts together a plan to revolt. This was either 4 years after he returned to Jerusalem or 4 years after he was able to go before his father. Either way he had more time to think and more time to get his plan ready to remove his father from the throne of God’s people.
Whether there had been real reconciliation or if it was a mere softening of the relationship we can’t be sure. There may have been a time where the relationship was reconciled but the two men had continued to drift apart following the giving of forgiveness. No matter the situation, this father/son duo were not the friendliest of relatives. Both likely bore blame in the relationship they had. Absalom may have wished for a better father and David wished his son would not have killed his brother no matter what had been the reason.
David may have been happy to think his son had taken a vow while living with his maternal family. He may have thought that though his son had been living with the pagans, he was growing spiritually. The truth was Absalom was growing in his despising of his father. It seemed the more Absalom thought about his dad, the more he disliked him. The king on the other hand seemed to be thinking his son was showing great potential.
With great care Absalom had chosen men to go throughout the nation giving a message about how they could take the land over for Absalom. The various tribes were told to shout for joy at the sound of trumpets saying Absalom now will be the king. Of course this was fake news but he was making sure it was proclaimed far and wide.
Absalom also took two hundred men with him, though they were clueless to his plan. He took them with him as he set about to fulfill his vow to the Lord. This set the basis for his rebellion.
Making It Personal
Which authority figure in your life are you more apt to rebel against? Why do you think you struggle with that person’s authority? How does the Lord want you to treat them?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you struggle with not wanting to obey authority figures? How could you do better about obeying? How does Jesus want you to respect them?
Closing Prayer
Father, You should be our ultimate authority and yet we rebel against You and Your teaching. Please give us the wisdom and desire to obey those in authority. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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