The Three R's

O. T. #720  "The Three R's"
March 23, 2016
2 Samuel 15
...and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel.  2 Samuel 15:6

LET IT GLOW

Here we have the three R's-reconciliation, rebellion, and revolt.
Now David and Absalom are reconciled, but hang on, Absalom had royalty symbols of chariots and charioteers (1 Samuel 8:11). His rebellious schemes are beginning to unfold and take place as the rebellion of a prince turns into a revolt. Shall we look at them?

• After 2 years, Absalom had Joab's field burned, he used Joab to persuade David to see Absalom. 
• He met with his father and Absalom and David reconciled their relationship.
• Then he bought a chariot and horses, and hired 50 bodyguards to run ahead of him.
• Now we see his scheme playing out. Every morning Ab got up and wet out to the gate of the city.
• When the people brought their case for judgment to the king to resolve, Ab would ask where in Israel they were from and they would tell him which tribe.
• So Ab would tell the people the king didn't have anyone to hear their case. If he were judge, then he would hear them with justice, and showing sympathy.
• The people would want to bow before Ab, but he would not let them. Instead, he would kiss their hand. Sweet. Sweet. Yuck. Yuck.
• He did this to everyone who came to see the king.
• Absalom stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. What a schemer.

Life Application Study Bible explains:The city gate was like a city hall and a shopping center combined. Local and national leaders met at the in Jerusalem for daily business transactions and government affairs. Merchants set up tent shops there. Witnesses needed were available. So Absalom went to the city gate to win the hearts of Israel's leaders and the common people as well.  His political strategy was to steal the hearts o the people with his good looks, grand entrances, apparent concern for justice, and friendly embraces. Many were fooled and switched their allegiance.

Absalom was building a group of loyal followers without King David's knowledge.
Are we aware of people who sweet talk to get their way? Do we look for a mask that they are hiding behind? Beware of charm and deception.
The same way God forgives us, we are to forgive others. So David should have forgiven his son for murdering Amnon. However, Absalom did not have a change of heart. He plotted to overthrow David as king of Israel.

LET IT GROW

After 4 years of being in the public eye, Absalom had a plot that involved a lie. He told King David that he made a vow to the Lord while back in Hebron those 3 years-he would make a sacrifice to the LORD in Hebron if he would bring Ab back to Jerusalem. David gave his approval without knowing the real reason for this.

• While he was there, Absalom sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel to stir up a rebellion against the king.
• His message said that as soon as they heard a ram's horn, the people would say, "Absalom has been crowned king in Hebron."
• He took 200 men with him as guests, but did not inform them of his rebellious plans.
• While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel, one of David's counselors who lived in Giloh.
• Soon many others also joined Absaslom and the conspiracy gained momentum. (verses 1-12)

Absalom's request was unusual, in that he wanted to go south to Hebron to pay a vow he made in exile, yet he was actually in Syria in the north while in exile. (J. V. McGee )

He went to Hebron because it was his hometown and David's first capital. He could expect to find loyal friends there.. The man mentioned, Ahithophel, was Bathsheba's grandfather. (McGee says that Ahithophel was a partner to all of this.)

Things are not looking too good for David with this secret conspiracy and revolt.

LET IT GO

Always be aware of what folks are doing.

Ask the Lord for discernment because not all things are as they appear.

Forgive others.