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Rebellion of Absalom, David’s Son
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escape, he thought of his loved capital, the place that had been the
scene of his sin. As he remembered the patience of God, he felt that
the Lord would still deal with him in mercy.
David had confessed his sin and had tried to do his duty as a
faithful servant of God. He had worked to build up his kingdom.
He had gathered supplies of material for building the house of God.
And now must the results of years of consecrated toil pass into the
hands of his reckless, traitorous son?
He saw his own sin had caused the trouble. And the Lord did
not forsake David. Under cruel wrong and insult he was humble,
unselfish, generous, and submissive. Never was the ruler of Israel
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more truly great in the sight of heaven than at this hour of his deepest
humiliation.
In the experience through which He caused David to pass, the
Lord shows that He cannot tolerate or excuse sin. David’s history
enables us to see the working out of His purpose of mercy, even
through the darkest jugdments. He caused David to be punished, but
He did not destroy him. The furnace is to purify, not to consume.
God Does Not Give Absalom Wisdom
Soon after David left Jerusalem, Absalom and his army took
possession of that stronghold of Israel. Hushai was among the first
to greet the newly-crowned monarch, and the prince was pleased that
his father’s old friend and counselor had joined him. Absalom was
confident of success. Eager to secure the confidence of the nation,
he welcomed Hushai to his court.
Absalom was surrounded by a large force, but it was composed
mostly of men untrained for war. Ahithophel knew very well that
a large part of the nation was still true to David and that he was
surrounded by tried warriors commanded by able and experienced
generals. Ahithophel knew that after the first burst of enthusiasm in
favor of the new king, a reaction would come. If the rebellion should
fail, Absalom and his father might reconcile. Then Ahithophel, as
his chief counselor, would be held most guilty, and the heaviest
punishment would fall upon him.
To prevent Absalom from giving up his rebellion, Ahithophel
devised a plan that would make reconciliation impossible. With