A Sad But Instructive History
Dec. 19, 2012
In this article, William Plumer (1802-1880) briefly overviews the story of Absalom (2 Samuel 13-19) and gives 16 points of application from the tragic story.
Absalom was the eldest son of David, whose mother was the daughter of a king. His name signifies “the father of peace” or “the peace of a father.” It was not given him by prophecy, but only expressed the hopes entertained of him. He was probably a favorite with his father, was not well governed and became a spoiled child. Many a parent is preparing wormwood and gall for his old age.
When he was yet a young man, with much hypocrisy, malice and cunning Absalom compassed the death of his wicked brother Amnon. Stained with his brother’s blood and fearing his father’s displeasure, he fled to his grandfather, Talmai, king of Geshur, who gave him refuge. But David loved Absalom and longed after him. In three years he yielded to an artful stratagem laid by the bloody Joab and executed by a woman of Tekoah for Absalom’s return. He was not, indeed, admitted into his father’s presence for two years. Ambition is ever restless, and Absalom professed a willingness to die rather than live without seeing his father. Joab was again employed to effect Absalom’s wishes, and he fully succeeded. David received and kissed his murderous son, and thus let loose on society and on himself a man who in his day seemed to be the scourge of God.
No sooner was Absalom free from legal restraint and regal displeasure than his ambition began to show itself. His first aim was to secure popularity. He had some great advantages. “There was not in all Israel a man to be so much praised for his beauty as Absalom.” He had also a rising family, thus assuring the people of his permanent interest in Israel. He had also wealth and appeared in chariots with a splendid retinue. Thus many were dazzled. He also practiced the arts of demagogues; he fomented discontent; was loud in his professions of love to the people; complained of the absence or tardiness of justice; and courted the lowest of the people by kissing and flattering them. He pursued this course for a long time with untiring industry. He thus succeeded in stealing away the hearts of many of the people. At length Absalom resolved to bring matters to a crisis. To this end he professed to be very pious, and by permission went to Hebron to pay a vow. He took with him two hundred citizens of Jerusal
