Day 137 – 2 Samuel 16-18

Talking Points

• God’s promise of judgment in the consequences of David’s sin continues to be fulfilled as Absalom’s rebellion escalates. It really is an unimaginable situation, full of betrayal, lies, and wickedness. As the battle ensues, some 20,000 men are killed in a single day. There is no shortage of evil, self-serving people, who are more than happy to join in the misdeeds of these days.
• David could never have imagined all the damage that would ensue following his sinful acts. He would not have guessed the cost to other people, even the cost to the nation as a whole. What started as one selfish act has wrought great destruction. Surely, we should get to a place in our lives where the cost of sin is not worth any fleeting pleasure.

Thoughts

Many times, I have wrestled with the declaration that David was a man after God’s own heart. How can this be said of any person? (I know me.) After reading these accounts, how can it be said of David? A heart like God’s? How can that be?

Look slowly at this account. Absalom rebels against his dad. It would be easy to say that he hates his father. Watch as he slanders his name, seeks his position, and commits detestable, despicable acts against him. Notice how he leads others to do the same. Absalom exists in total opposition to his father.

And, then, see David’s response. He loves his son. Deeply so. David was willing the show great grace and mercy, instructing his army to “deal gently…with the young man Absalom” (18:5). David wanted to spare his life. He loved him so much, the watching world could not understand.

Fast-forward roughly a thousand years. Jesus, David’s Heir, comes because God wants to spare the lives of sinners. He loves sinners. Deeply so. Sinners who have slandered His name, sought His position, and committed detestable, despicable acts against Him. God is willing to show great grace and mercy, dealing gently with us. He loves us so much, the watching world cannot understand. The difference? God’s grace would be at the cost of Himself.

As I read the cry of David, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you…” I think of our God, who did die for us (18:33).