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ABSALOM’S SHREWD APPROACH WORKED
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
2 Samuel 15

Proverbs 3:11-18

 

“For whom the LORD loveth
he correcteth; even as a father the son

in whom he delighteth.”

 

ABSALOM’S SHREWD APPROACH WORKED
 
Absalom was shrewd in his approach because he was conspiring to become king. He treated the people kindly to give them hope. All he wanted was their support. He knew of the popularity of his father and he had to use that clever approach to win those people to his side. The people who encountered him were not suspicious of his intentions. They assumed that David knew what Absalom was doing.
 
Absalom treated those people with love and kindness and they felt that the aspiring king was responsible. Scripture records that he stole the hearts of the people of Israel. Absalom was a person of such character. It is worthwhile to note that when he killed Amnon, he fronted the treatment of his sister by Amnon with vengeance. He appeared to be doing justice for Tamar. When he returned from Geshur, he lived in his house and did his normal work. After two years of not being allowed to see the king, he compelled Joab to come to him and expressed his desire. He wanted to know the king’s verdict over the murder of Amnon. Thus, he set Joab’s field of barley on fire. He made a score and his wish was granted. Absalom was subtle and guileful in his decisions and deeds. In this third attempt to devise ways and means to become king, he disassembled David’s spy network and he nearly succeeded.
 
Absalom prepared to incite a rebellion. He had done his groundwork well and was ready to execute his plan. Hebron was a strategic city for him to execute his plan. David had reigned in that city before moving his capital to Jerusalem. It was a home of the house of Jesse. It was not strange for him to go there because it was his family home. He told the king that he had made a vow while he was in Geshur and he wanted to fulfil it in Hebron. He thus sought permission from the king. He spoke simply and David did not see anything unusual in the request. David had no objection and he readily gave permission.
 
THOUGHT: The misuse of a gift is as good as none.

PRAYER: Father, help me to be truthful in all my utterances.

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