2 Samuel 15:4 And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.”
There is still so much manipulation and deception in this chapter, but I connect to David the parent and David’s faith journey in very real ways. When his oldest son raped his daughter, David did nothing. When his son, Absalom, killed his brother to avenge his sister, David banished him for years, eventually allowing him back, but still banishing Absalom from his sight. I think he clearly sees the flaws of his parenting. As a flawed parent myself, facing the reality of your parenting mistakes is incredibly sobering. You can’t undo. You can only apologize and try to move forward in a more positive direction.
2 Samuel 15:10 Then Absalom sent secret messages throughout the tribes of Israel to say, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, ‘Absalom is king in Hebron.’”
On his faith journey, commentary tells me David wrote at least six Psalms during this period: Psalms 3, 41, 55, 61, 62, and 63. Every single one of these Psalms cries out to God for mercy, peace, and rest. David seeks God, he longs for God, he know God is his unshakable fortress in his distress. His praise is humble and sincere, not obsequious. He knows his sin. He has humbled himself before God.
2 Samuel 15:30 But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the ability to humble myself before You, to admit my failures and shortcomings, to seek forgiveness and grace. Help me to show to others the same compassion that You lavish upon me. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Samuel 15:37 So Hushai, David’s confidant, arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.