Highlights:
The handsome and popular Absalom (II Sam. 14:25) wins over national leaders, including David's most trusted counselor Ahithophel. Absalom leads a revolt and attempted to overthrow and murder his father, King David.
Verses for Today:
Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment . . . he pretended a deep concern. And Absalom said unto him. See, thy matters are good and right; but there is no man deputed of (representing) the king to hear thee. . . . Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath suit or cause come unto me, and I would do him justice (II Sam. 15:1-4).
After Absalom had been in exile three years (13:38), Joab, David's nephew and commander-in-chief of his army (I Chr. 2:15-16), initiated a clever plot which persuaded David to bring Absalom home.
About two years after Absalom had returned from exile (II Sam. 14:28), with an arrogant, shameless, and defiant attitude, he demanded that Joab arrange to have the king see him (14:29-32). David promptly forgave Absalom, who then began an ambitious conspiracy to overthrow his father and declare himself king of Israel. Soon the shocking news reached David that the hearts of the men of Israel are after (with) Absalom (15:13).
One of the most pitiful passages in the Bible is of brokenhearted King David, running barefoot down the rocky hills, weeping and fleeing Jerusalem in fear of his own beloved son (15:30). During this time, he had no thought of self-pity or revenge. David's great concern was to avoid bloodshed in Jerusalem, the City of God.
Shimei, one of Saul's relatives (16:5), followed David as he fled from Jerusalem, cursing him and throwing stones at him. He accused David of being responsible for Saul's death and all the blood of the house of Saul (16:8). This accusation was not true, and Abishai asked David for permission to kill Shimei. David refused, saying: Let him curse, because the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David (16:10).
Too often we retaliate, fight back, or seek revenge, and do not see the hand of God in our sufferings. But once we see this Truth and repent, we discover His perfect will. The highest privilege Christians have is to yield our will to His ways. May God teach us the precious privilege of accepting and loving His ways!
Thought for Today:
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Is. 55:9).
Christ Portrayed:
By David as he rebuked his followers when they wanted to execute his enemies (II Sam. 16:10-11; compare I Sam. 26:8-9). When Jesus' disciples wanted to do the same, He rebuked them saying: Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them (Luke 9:54-56).
Word Studies:
15:27 seer =prophet of God who has discernment (I Sam. 9:9); 15:28 certify =inform; 16:5 cursed still =shouted curses continuously.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Audrey M. Johnson • Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Government Official: Rep. Clifford Stearns (FL) • Country: Fiji (813,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and Fijian • Religious freedom • 41% Hindu; 40% Protestant; 9% Roman Catholic; 8% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that prayer is one of the ways God uses to strengthen you in the power of His might (Eph. 6:18).
Optional Reading: Acts 17
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:11