You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. 2 Samuel 19:7 (2 Samuel 19)
Absalom had been nothing but a bitter, rebellious, trouble making son. Not a suicidal man, but his choices could have no other outcome; he must die and he did. In grief David isolated himself, leaving the victors unsure of their place in the king’s judgement of right and wrong. The nation descended into chaos leaving David vulnerable to intrigue and treason inside Israel and outside powers seeking an opportunity to destroy his monarchy.
David made many attempts to right wrongs and avenge innocent blood, but the rift that began between Judah and the other ten tribes ends in a divided kingdom one generation later. It’s easy to place all the blame on David’s sin, but many sought their own selfish agenda, knowing it cost others everything. Sin destroys, without exception!
These stories are not designed to build theology and they are mentally exhausting to explore and comprehend. So why does the Bible show this ugly side of a ‘Man after God’s own heart’ who choses to reward rebellion and punish loyalty? Because it is real. The story isn’t perfect, but God’s determination to rescue and redeem man is! David found grace…….every time! You can too! (David wrote nearly half of the book of Psalms, song after song of God’s amazing love.)
There is nowhere in the universe God cannot find you, bring you back and sort out your mess to His Glory. Just let Him!
Love,
Gretchen