2 Samuel 17
This chapter begins with the plan of Absalom (David's son), which was devised by Ahithophel and supported by the elders of Israel. It is sad to read that a person's own child and those who should guide him in the right path could be involved in such evil. It is important to ask God to reveal who the people around us truly are and what their intentions may be.
Absalom then consulted Hushai for his opinion concerning Ahithophel's counsel. One would have expected Hushai to advise Absalom to turn away from these wicked thoughts, but instead, he gave a different strategy that further complicated the whole matter. Absalom thought this advice was excellent, but what they all lacked was the direction, knowledge, wisdom, and permission of God. God saw all their plans. He was watching and waiting, allowing their schemes to eventually turn into disaster for Absalom.
Hushai proceeded to send a message through Zadok, Jonathan, and Ahimaaz to inform David of this evil plan and to advise him to stay away from the place where the attack was intended. Some people still attempted to report to Absalom, but the plans of God will always prevail, and they could not stop His purpose. David received the message, and he and all the people with him heeded the warning and escaped the danger that Hushai had exposed.
Ahithophel, on the other hand, ended his own life because Absalom did not follow his counsel. One thing I learned here is the importance of understanding the place of God's mercy. Two people in the Bible took their own lives because they did not believe that God could still forgive them when they had erred. Judas also ended his life in the same manner. No matter how evil a person may have been, finding the way back to God through His mercy is still possible. Do not allow guilt to convince you that there is no hope.
2 Samuel 18
This chapter shows us how David and his men prepared for war. In the process, the soldiers advised David to stay behind because his presence on the battlefield would put his life in danger. They were willing to sacrifice themselves and declared that David's life was worth more than ten thousand of them. Yet, in all of this, David still requested that they deal gently with Absalom.
When a parent loves a child, no matter how evil that child may have become, it does not necessarily diminish that love. When the devil seeks to destroy the bond and love within a family, it is essential not to become a tool in his hands because he is always looking for an entry point. Do not be the entry point for the devil's evil works to flourish.
If Absalom had chosen the right path, he would have let go of the hurt and hatred that grew from what happened to Tamar. When unforgiveness thrives, the original cause often gets lost in the bitterness that remains. Unforgiveness only deepens the wound and leads to greater destruction.
Absalom's life ended in a tragic manner, and he was buried near the monument he had made for himself. Anger, hatred, and unforgiveness never produce a good ending. Never allow family conflicts and unresolved bitterness to destroy you before your time.
When the news was brought to David, he mourned deeply for his son. He even cried out that he wished he had died in Absalom's place. It is worth noting that only an evil parent delights in burying their children. It is neither natural nor God's desire for the old to bury the young. I pray that no parent will have to bury their child or children, in Jesus' name.
If there is any vengeance calling for the blood of your children, may the mercy of God speak on their behalf, in Jesus' name. Amen.
