2 Samuel 15

In 2 Samuel 15, Absalom carefully orchestrated a coup against his father, King David. After being restored to favour in Jerusalem, Absalom cunningly builds a power base by exploiting popular grievances, presenting himself as a sympathetic and accessible leader. He stations himself at the city gate, charming the people with promises of justice and attention, effectively winning their loyalty through masterful-public relations. This is what we see in our modern political tactics where leaders appeal to the poorest of the poor to gain power, only to neglect them once in office until the next election cycle. Absalom’s ambition culminates in Hebron, where he declares himself king, forcing David his father to flee Jerusalem to avoid a bloody confrontation.

David, once a mighty king, becomes a fugitive, like in the days of Saul, marking a low point reminiscent of his earlier flights from Saul. His failure to discipline Absalom earlier, as seen in the unresolved tensions of 2 Samuel 14, allows Absalom’s pride and rebellion to grow unchecked. This underscores a broader truth because David did the same thing when he sinned against God and the husband of Bathsheba. So, failure to correct and discipline his child, even out of love, then lead to the consequences we see today which goes beyond a parent’s control. As David flees, he demonstrates his inability but yet mature faith by leaving the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem, trusting in God’s favour and Mercy, rather than this just being a religious symbol for survival. It in fact, shows that David regardless of anything, he will always run to God for hope and salvation. In a strategic move, he prays that God will frustrate the counsel of Absalom’s advisor Ahithophel and sends Hushai to Jerusalem to counter Absalom’s plans with foolish counsel, setting the stage for divine intervention in the conflict.

When we seek God in prayers, His spirit directs us on how to pray and thereby, causes a spiritual shift in the spirit which then plays out in the natural. Absalom’s calculated betrayal and David’s humbled yet faithful response, highlighting the fragility of power and the consequences of unchecked ambition and familial neglect, even more so what the spirit of God can do when we involve Him in all things.

questions

Child of God, how can the failure to discipline or address conflict early, as seen in David’s relationship with Absalom, affect the future of our household?

How can we pray with knowledge to cause a shift in the spirit?