AWAKE BIBLE IN A YEAR MAY 9
Read 2 Samuel 16-18
Oh the family pain of David… a son in the grave, a son in banishment, and a kingdom about to be shaken. David’s heart durning the rise and fall of Absalom will be devastated and yet he will show tremendous humility and forgiving love. Absalom is next in line for the KINGDOM, and is beautiful. ‘In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him.’ 2 Samuel 14:25 Absalom has one daughter, named after his sister Tamar. And his daughter is “a beautiful woman” (1 Sam. 14:27).
While in exile from his father’s presence– Joab, who also killed for revenge seeks mercy for Absalom. (2 Sam. 14:1) He is brought back and after a silent 2 years Absalom is allowed to enter the presence of his father, and when he does he is humble with his face to the ground and “the king kissed Absalom” (14:33). I wish the story ended here. Restored and at peace, but it does not.
Absalom by his conduct at the gates ‘stole the hearts of the men of Israel’. In Hebron Absalom makes his move for the throne. David flees to the mount of Olives. The son of David, Jesus will take refuge there as well. Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. Luke 22:39 And the KING is rejected from the throne.
A former counselor turns traitor and he will hang himself. This is unmistakably similar to the future unfolding of Judas’s betrayal.
Absalom holds his father’s heart in his grip, even during his failed coup attempt. David loves him deeply. HOWEVER the knockout blow of his beloved son’s death crushes any thought of victory and David wants to trade places with his son.
Jesus, the son of David, WILL TRADE places with the rebellious.
Emotions run so deep David is a risk of sending the wrong message to those who fought for him.
Absalom’s thirst for the throne ends in his death hung from a tree, pierced three times.
Generations later this thirst is ultimately is satisfied in his great grandchild, Asa. Asa born from Tamar’s bloodline and generations later becomes the 5th king of Judah. The HEBREW LANGUAGE has the same word for mother as grandmother, so keep it in mind as you study this later.
2 Samuel 18:18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which is in the king’s dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom’s place.
In Asa’s honorable KINGSHIP we SEE we are not the disgrace of our families. You can start your generation fresh. YOU AND I can follow the Lord wholeheartedly. JESUS HAS BROKEN every rebellion effort and like David has forgiven those who hurled insults at him. EVEN US, EVEN YOU, EVEN ME.
This story has some powerful JESUS-types, woven throughout. Read the below article for 🤯!
