2nd Samuel 18 PAINFUL PROPHETIC FULFILLMENT When a crisis time comes in God's calendar of events for us, we should not be surprised at the accuracy of scripture in describing what will happen. For a lengthy period of time, perhaps several years, David seemed to be lethargic, indecisive and not really leading the people the way he should. In this leadership vacuum Absalom stepped to take advantage of the situation and become king. If we are not careful, we will start taking people and things for granted that should be attended to. People have the right to expect those who lead them to have an on-going agenda in which their lives have meaningful activities in which they are involved. To live for pleasure or just to maintain the status quo does not give satisfaction in living.
Finally, David took charge of the situation in which Israel was found. When he took command of his men and designated leaders of three groups of warriors, there was a decisiveness in him that let his men know he was in back in charge. It is our duty to rise to the occasion in which our Lord places us, and act responsibly to bring about the best possible result. Yet, like David, we should never think we are above listening to the advice other responsible people give us.
The battle that followed was a tragic event with huge losses as is the case in many civil wars. When conflicts arise among those of the same nationality, assembly or family, each side seeks to vindicate their position by vigorously seeking to defeat those who have different opinions. The fact is that between those who should be united in good fellowship, an "Absalom" sometimes comes to the forefront, and before we realize what has happened, division has come among God's people.
Absalom's death was not unexpected because rebellion against the sovereign will of God always fails. it is an act of divine intention to "resist the proud." God has purposed to bring a proud man down and to raise a humble man up. Absalom's pride brought him and thousands of others with him to the dust of death. His death was the right thing because being the kind of man he was, he would have tried again to take the kingdom from David by force. Joab was a practical man who was not easily guided, but in this case, he knew what was right and did it. David's sentimental and parental feelings toward his rebellious son, were understandable but unrealistic.
However, when our Lord and King instructs us, we can be assured that what He says is always right. We may not understand why He instructs us in a certain way, nor why what He wants us to do is important, but we do it because we know He knows the conclusion of a matter. It is always right for us to obey His word in spite of our fears and trepidation.
The two memorials set up were a real contrast. The one was made by Absalom to memorialize himself. The other was a huge pile of stones over the hole in the ground where he was buried, to remind all who passed by of the rebel who sought to kill his own father. Absalom wanted to honor himself, so set up a pillar for people to remember him. If God does not honor us, anything we might do to exalt ourselves is spurious and abhorrent.
It is understandable that David mourned for his lost son. He knew he Absalom had never turned to the Lord. He knew Absalom's sin had found him out. Perhaps as a father would, he was aware of his own failure and felt serious guilt. He would remember the fearful prophecies Nathan gave him that would fall on his family. David's upset over Absalom's death was partly because of his own failure; partly because of the fact that his men killed Absalom against his wishes; and because he loved his son.
The time to start correcting and instructing our children is when they are very young. We all need God's help in raising our children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." It is impossible for us to make our children Christians or believe what we believe. We cannot guarantee their future will be bright. But we can train them early to be righteous, obedient, honorable, respectful and people of integrity. We can train them in the fear of God and urge them "to seek the Lord while He may be found, and call upon Him while He is near."