Biblical Family Values

2 Sam 3:2 - 2 Sam 3:5 (RSV)

¹There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker.

²And sons were born to David at Hebron: his first-born was Amnon, of Ahino-am of Jezreel; ³and his second, Chile-ab, of Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; ⁴and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; ⁵and the sixth, Ithre-am, of Eglah, David’s wife. These were born to David in Hebron.

Biblical Family Values

David’s third son was Absalom. He was the son of Maacah and, through her line, the grandson of a king. He was handsome, intelligent, and ruthless. His charm and wealth attracted a following of young wealthy men. His life took on sadness and seriousness after his sister, Tamar, was raped by her brother, David’s first born, Amnon. Absalom was cool and waited. David failed to punish Amnon, even after he judged him guilty of rape. Absalom threw one of his famous parties and made his brother Amnon and the rest of his brothers guests of honor. After Amnon was good and drunk, Absalom gave the word and Amnon was dead. The public sympathies were with Absalom. Who could blame him for killing his sister’s rapist?

Three years Absalom was in exile. He flees to his mother’s home land, where his cousin is king. David sends for him and he returns to the court of his father and to his own enterprises. Absalom begins a political campaign to win over the people. He positions himself outside the city and talks with folks who are petitioning the king in various legal disputes. He tells them, “If I were king, I would get you a more favorable judgment.”

Little by little, Absalom gathers and organizes his supporters. He makes friends with David’s detractors and courts the favor of key military officers. More and more, he presents himself as the king. He parades through town and in the countryside with a large force of men and a grand appearance. In Second Samuel 15:6 we read that Absalom “stole the hearts of the people.”

Absalom takes 200 armed men and travels to his birth city, Hebron, there he wins over David’s chief military advisor, Ahithophel. This man proved to be the genius behind Absalom’s military and political ambition. Victory is swift; David is forced to run for his life and leaves Jerusalem in the hands of his charming but ruthless son. Absalom show his first sign of weakness when he fails to listen to Ahithophel and listens, instead, to a man who is still loyal to David but in pretending to be on Absalom’s side.

David returns to reclaim his throne from Absalom. He tells his general to spare his son’s life. His general, for the good of the kingdom, disobeys the king and kills Absalom. Absalom, ever the pretty boy, is caught in a tree by his beautiful hair. David deeply grieves the death of his enemy and his son Absalom.

Absalom shows know signs of loving or trusting God. He is, in fact, a practical atheist. He uses his personal charm and connections with powerful and intelligent men to gain the power and the position that is not his. God does not anoint Absalom.

There are folks in this world, in all walks of life, which have gain positions of power through personal charisma and a glib tongue but lack the integrity and righteousness required to please God. We would like to think they are eventually discovered for what they are and punished.