2 Samuel 14
Today's Passage: 2 Samuel 14
This is such an interesting story and it can be difficult to determine what we learn about God in this passage. First, let’s look into what is really happening here.
Absalom has been outside of Jerusalem for three years, and David missed his son but was conflicted about bringing him home because of his royal duties. Which was the correct course of action when he must be both a father and a king? Joab knows about this internal struggle for David, and so he convinces a woman to tell King David a story that reflects the situation he is in with Absalom. She asserted that by allowing Absalom to remain in exile, David was putting the welfare of Israel in danger. If he would be generous to a son he didn’t know, why wouldn’t he forgive his own son?
David discerns that this woman was sent by Joab, and concedes to allow Absalom to come back to Jerusalem, but the estrangement continues. David wanted to lead his son to repentance and reconciliation. Instead of this happening, Absalom grows frustrated and sends for Joab, ultimately turning to an act of aggression when Joab doesn’t respond. Absalom’s heart was not repentant and submissive, but was manipulative, as we will see confirmed in the next chapter.
So what can we learn about the character of God here? This is what I see: God is our perfect Father. His desire is to lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. Despite David’s mistakes, he models that for us. Are we quick to repent and seek reconciliation, or do we get frustrated before we reach those things?
Written By: Kaitlin White
This is such an interesting story and it can be difficult to determine what we learn about God in this passage. First, let’s look into what is really happening here.
Absalom has been outside of Jerusalem for three years, and David missed his son but was conflicted about bringing him home because of his royal duties. Which was the correct course of action when he must be both a father and a king? Joab knows about this internal struggle for David, and so he convinces a woman to tell King David a story that reflects the situation he is in with Absalom. She asserted that by allowing Absalom to remain in exile, David was putting the welfare of Israel in danger. If he would be generous to a son he didn’t know, why wouldn’t he forgive his own son?
David discerns that this woman was sent by Joab, and concedes to allow Absalom to come back to Jerusalem, but the estrangement continues. David wanted to lead his son to repentance and reconciliation. Instead of this happening, Absalom grows frustrated and sends for Joab, ultimately turning to an act of aggression when Joab doesn’t respond. Absalom’s heart was not repentant and submissive, but was manipulative, as we will see confirmed in the next chapter.
So what can we learn about the character of God here? This is what I see: God is our perfect Father. His desire is to lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. Despite David’s mistakes, he models that for us. Are we quick to repent and seek reconciliation, or do we get frustrated before we reach those things?
Written By: Kaitlin White
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