The Way
Absalom's Rebellion
Hearts stolen at the city gate
Story
Early in the morning Prince Absalom stood beside the road to the gate of Jerusalem. Behind him were chariots and horses, with fifty men to run ahead of him. Whenever he saw someone coming to the king with a lawsuit, Absalom called him over first. “What town are you from?” When the man named his tribe, Absalom would say, “Your case is good and right. But there is no one from the king to hear you. If only someone would make me judge in the land!”
If anyone came near to bow down to him, Absalom would reach out, take hold of him and kiss him. He did this to every Israelite who came to the king for judgment. And so Absalom stole the hearts of the people of Israel. When four years had passed, Absalom said to his father David, “While I was living in exile in Geshur, I made a vow: if the Lord brings me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the Lord. Let me go to Hebron and fulfill that vow.”
Knowing nothing, the king said, “Go in peace.” Absalom went down to Hebron, where his father had first become king. Then he sent secret messengers to all the tribes of Israel: “When you hear the sound of the trumpet, shout, Absalom has become king in Hebron!” Two hundred men invited from Jerusalem went along, knowing nothing at all. While offering sacrifices, Absalom even sent for David's counselor Ahithophel. The conspiracy grew stronger and stronger.
Walk this scene on the map →Words of God and David
Go in peace.
If only someone would make me judge in the land! Then anyone with a lawsuit could come to me, and I would see that he got justice.
When you hear the sound of the trumpet, shout: Absalom has become king in Hebron!
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: 2 Sam 15:1–12
Background
The Hebrew manuscripts give the period as forty years, but it is often read as four years, following the ancient translations. Hebron was where David first became king and where Absalom was born.
Pause and Reflect
Am I losing my sincerity because I want to win people over?