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ABSALOM’S CONSPIRACY STUMBLED
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
2 Samuel 15

Psalm 21:1-7

 

“For the king trusteth in the LORD,
and through the mercy of the most High

he shall not be moved.”

 

ABSALOM’S CONSPIRACY STUMBLED
 
Absalom sent spies all over Israel to declare him king when they heard the sound of the trumpet. They were to say that Absalom reigned in Hebron. It was a coup against his father. He had gone with two hundred men from Jerusalem. These men were chosen, but they did not know that Absalom wanted to form a rebellious army. The scheme was all set and the situation was moving in favour of Absalom.
 
In his conspiracy, Absalom had conscripted some of David’s close advisers; he had taken in Ahithophel and possibly some less weighty insiders. The plan was all set to overthrow David. Even though the matter had gone that far, David was not an easy person to overcome. In addition, he had not taken the throne of Israel by force. God had ordered his anointing and when the time came, God removed Saul and all Israel favoured him as king. Absalom did not have any divine anointing and he was not known to be a follower of the Lord as his father. He was a worldly-wise man (if we may borrow Bunyan’s character in Pilgrim’s Progress). His plans were moving in the direction that he had crafted. All these and the number of defectors came to the ears of David. The king was quick in making decisions and he planned a tactical retreat.
 
David decided to flee from Jerusalem as he was told that the hearts of the men of Israel were in favour of Absalom. His immediate plan was to flee Jerusalem. The whole palace moved out except those whom the king had chosen to use for his strategic comeback. Absalom did not know who was loyal to him, and who was for the king. The servants of David were obedient and they followed him. It was a large household, but the king needed them in his flight. David’s immediate concern was his own life; he had to be in a safe place or at least where there was room to fight back. David had not lost hope. He had many experiences from the day he was anointed. Struggling with Saul, he had always acted wisely and made sure decisions.
 
THOUGHT: A wise leader always sees a window of hope and not despair.

PRAYER: Father, let my eyes see Thy invisible hand in times of danger.

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