Year 1, Week 38, Day 5 Bible Reading Observations

Year 1, Week 38, Day 5

I have a brief observation for today’s reading of 2 Samuel 14.

Today’s reading describes the events that led up to Absalom’s return to Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 14 records the manipulation of David, but both Joab and Absalom. As the chapter begins, Absalom is still in exile. After he murdered his half-brother, Ammon, Absalom fled. Joab, David’s chief military commander, knows that David is consumed with the matter of what to do with Absalom: "Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart went out to Absalom” (2 Samuel 14:1). In light of what David says later in the chapter, when Absalom did return to Jerusalem, “And the king said, “Let him dwell apart in his own house; he is not to come into my presence.” So Absalom lived apart in his own house and did not come into the king’s presence” (2 Samuel 14:24), it seems best to take what is being said at the start of the chapter as something along the lines of David not wanted to welcome Absalom back, but unable to get past thinking about what had transpired. So, Joab concocted a scheme to get David to have Absalom brought back to Jerusalem: “Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman and said to her, “Pretend to be a mourner and put on mourning garments. Do not anoint yourself with oil, but behave like a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead. Go to the king and speak thus to him.” So Joab put the words in her mouth” (2 Samuel 14:2-3). Joab’s plan works. David grants permission for Absalom to return to Jerusalem, albeit nothing is really resolved between David and Absalom.

One of the things that struck me from today’s reading was the portrait given of Absalom, which suggests an ominous harbinger of things to come: “O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them” (Psalm 86:14). Absalom is back in Jerusalem and we are provided an assessment of the kind of man that he is: “Now in all Israel there was no one so much to be praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. And when he cut the hair of his head (for at the end of every year he used to cut it; when it was heavy on him, he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head, two hundred shekels by the king’s weight” (2 Samuel 14:25-26). Absalom has the looks and stature that was profoundly impressive. However, it should be remembered: “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). But that wisdom seems to be lost on most everyone at the moment. Absalom is handsome, but is he holy? Absalom had the image that it took to build a political platform around. It should not be forgotten that Israel had already entertained leadership as portraying a beautiful image. Remember what was said concerning Saul: “And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people” (1 Samuel 9:2). Great hair is not a necessary qualification for leadership. External good looks are not a disqualification for leadership, but whatever the physical appearance might be, without any internal regard for the LORD, it will always spell disaster. There is also the appearance that Absalom is a strong family man: “There were born to Absalom three sons, and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a beautiful woman” (2 Samuel 14:27). Keep that image of “family values” in mind and compare it to reality as the reading continues.

Absalom was also astute. When Joab would not honor Absalom’s request for a visit, Absalom displays that he is astute in getting what he wishes: “Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send him to the king, but Joab would not come to him. And he sent a second time, but Joab would not come. Then he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there; go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.” (2 Samuel 14:29-30). Absalom also knows when to take the political risks: “Why have I come from Geshur? It would be better for me to be there still.” Now therefore let me go into the presence of the king, and if there is guilt in me, let him put me to death.’” (2 Samuel 14:32b). Absalom politically gambles and wins—he will get access to King David. While there still doesn’t appear to be a reconciliation between father and son, we will soon see that Absalom will use the photo op with the King to advance his agenda. So Absalom is good looking and has charm, but we have yet to be told if he is godly and has character. We should feel uneasy about what the subsequent readings will reveal. But also remember that the Word of the LORD to David in the aftermath of his sin is guiding what unfolds.

What struck you in today’s reading? What questions were prompted from today’s reading?

Pastor Joe