Absalom’s Monument


2 Samuel 17:24-18:18
http://www.esvbible.org/2 Samuel 17:24-18:18

Those who embark upon a course of political upheaval always take a risk; it might not work. If they fail, it almost always ends in the death of the usurpers and Absalom’s story is no different. He rode high for a few weeks as the government seemed to turn in his direction. But his own pride and overbearing ego created the scene for his demise. And what a death is was! Hanging from a tree by his own hair made him the victim of anyone who wanted to run him through with a spear. It creates quite a visual picture, doesn’t it!

Of importance here is the heart of David once again. He still wanted to show this usurper mercy and grace; he still wanted his son alive at the end of this story. Unfortunately for David, his men did not listen to his admonition to keep Absalom alive. He was killed rather ruthlessly after all and buried hastily as well. The question that rises in my mind when I read of David’s request is was he truly merciful or just stupid? After all, Absalom pined for David’s death; why shouldn’t David want to see the end of his enemy as well? But we should not be surprised at David’s desire for mercy for that was always the way of his heart. He had granted mercy decades earlier to his enemy Saul, even when he had the chance to kill him, and now he desires the same for Absalom.

Once again, we get to learn from the life of David. Regularly we probably need to ask ourselves “am I merciful person?” We live a life that is possible only because we ourselves have been shown mercy on a daily basis. Should God truly decide to give us what we deserve we would all be doomed eternally. But instead we are granted a grace that has not been earned and Jesus went to the cross for those who did not deserve that gift of forgiveness. “Mercy” is God’s middle name – well, you know what I mean. Our role model in both Jesus and David is to forgive and desire the best for the person who has hurt us. The prophet Habakkuk prayed to the Lord about His mercy as well, recognizing that while we deserve God’s wrath, He is instead full of mercy for us. “O Lord, I have heard the report of You, and Your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.”  Habakkuk 3:2 While we wonder why David could be so generous to his enemies, it is indeed an admirable trait and one we might want to emulate more often.

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