Turning Points

2nd Samuel 15

We hear about conspiracy’s every now and then. I remember talking to a Jr. High boy about something and he said, “That was a conspiracy.” Usually the term is used for some kind of cover up or manipulation of truth. In this chapter we will see that David’s son Absalom will try to take over the throne from his own father.

Fleeing…

We are reading the words that were spoken by the prophet Nathan to David after he was confronted about the issue with Bathsheba (2nd Samuel 12). Absalom fled from Jerusalem because he killed his brother Amnon. Absalom was in the land of Geshur for several years and then he returned to Jerusalem were he was not really forgiven but also was not punished for what he did.

We start seeing Absalom’s true intentions for returning to the Jerusalem as he started winning the hearts of the people. He would stand by the gate as people came in and out of the city and be willing to lead the people. He would also be warm and welcoming as he hugged and kissed the people. As more and more people started to follow him, he lied to the king so he could go to Hebron. Remember Hebron was the chief city of Judah were David once ruled before Jerusalem. Word came to David about Absalom’s claim to be king and David flees with his faithful advisors and family.

David leaves the city so that the city would not be destroyed when Absalom comes to claim the throne. It is interesting that we do not see David making a stand against his son. We do not see David seeking the Lord too. It may be because he feels still guilty of his past sins and knows that this is part of the punishment but we do not know. It could be because this was his son, still. 

When is it Time to Flee and When is it Time to Stand?

Many scholars will attribute Psalm 3 during this time in David’s life. As it says in verse 1 and 2, “O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God.”  David was in distress. We can cause ourselves to become distressed by our own sin. We can dig a pit that it becomes hard to get out of. The walls are high, it is dark and lonely. The only thing we can do is cry out to God for help. I wish I could say, David should have stayed and fought because Absalom is not the intended king, but what I do know is that God had a greater plan.

In verse 3 through 4 of Psalm 3 it says, “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from His holy hill.” God did not forsake David. David has been remembered throughout history. We can still cry out to God for help. We will not be forgotten. Hebrews 13:5 says, “God will never leave us nor forsake us.” God will not abandon us like people will. David’s throne will be restored but it is through God. We need to know that we are restored through God. It is through Jesus that I can have confidence for tomorrow and how God views me. It is through Jesus that I am found righteous. May you cry out to Jesus, as he is salvation. Jesus will restore you when you call out to him. He will be the one who forgives and covers you. There is a time to flee into the comfort of the Savior and there is a time to stand up. May we follow the guidance of God and not man.