2 Samuel 18

David’s son Absalom turned the hearts of the people away from David. David fled Jerusalem with a remnant of faithful followers and Absalom moved in to take the throne. Absalom determined to go after David and kill him along with David’s faithful mighty men. On the other side, David prepared and strategized with his leaders. They had a sound plan. His leaders insisted that he stay behind and leave the leadership of the battle to his generals. David reluctantly submitted, but he gave one final directive, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.”  In spite of the evil performed by his son, David could not bear the thought of losing him.

I’m stuck

God was with David’s army and they were decisively victorious. As the battle was turning against Absalom’s army, Absalom fled. Verse 9 says, “For Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak, and his head caught fast in the oak, so he was hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule under him kept going.” You can’t make this stuff up. The brilliant young man who patiently and strategically turned the hearts of the people toward himself, who displayed firm leadership over the armies of Israel and confidently moved into David’s city and took his throne, was now stuck in a tree with his enemies quickly approaching him. If God is for you, who can stand against you. But if God is against you (God opposes the proud), then nothing can protect you from his judgement.

Joab makes a tough decision

The servants of David came upon him. No doubt, Absalom was kicking his legs and jostling to free himself, but to no avail. None of the men would touch Absalom because of David’s warning. But when Joab arrived, (David’s long-time faithful general and right hand man), he rebuked his men and then thrust Absalom through the heart and killed him. My sense is that Joab knew that David’s sentimental devotion to Absalom would be David’s downfall. Joab knew as well that David’s pardon of Absalom would eventually cost the lives of Joab himself and his men. Joab acted against David’s wishes.

Was that the right thing to do? I believe so. There is no mention of God or God’s view of things in this chapter. God’s work is evident, but He is not mentioned, so it’s hard to know exactly but it seems Joab did what needed to be done to protect God’s anointed, David. David’s passionate love for his son clouded his judgement. Parents can understand. The love of a parent toward a child (even a rebellious child) is a mighty force that remains fortified throughout the worst of circumstances. At times, parents need dear friends to counsel us and guide us in our actions toward our children, lest we act solely from emotion.

A parent’s love

When a messenger told David his army was victorious, he was elated. But when he was told Absalom was dead, David completely lost it. David wept bitterly and said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son,” verse 33. I’m not exactly sure, from a devotional standpoint, how to pray through this narrative. It’s just sad. Tragically sad. Lord, protect our children. Guard their hearts from rebellion and pride. If there are any rebellious children of my readers, miraculously turn their hearts toward you. Amen!