The Tragedy of Absalom

2022-04-26

The tragedy of Absalom, the son of David, could have been avoided. This tragedy includes Absalom’s killing of his brother Amnon, his rebellion, and his death. First, this tragedy was the result of David’s own adultery with Bathsheba. The Lord told him, “Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house” (2 Samuel 12:11).

In addition, if Amnon would have been punished appropriately for his crime, Absalom would not have acted as a vigilante. He killed his brother in vengeance because justice was forsaken. Absalom exiled himself and remained with his grandfather Talmai, king of Geshur for three years.

David, by the roundabout encouragement of Joab his general, invited Absalom to come home, only to ignore him for two more years. One cannot underestimate how a father’s coolness toward his son can be.

Absalom responded by rejecting his father and winning over the men of Israel:

Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice! And it was so, that when any man came nigh to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, and took him, and kissed him. And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. (2 Samuel 15:4-6)

Be it David’s adultery with Bathsheba, lack of swift justice in the case of Amnon, or the unwelcoming return of Absalom, fixing any of these would have resolved this issue. None of this excuses Absalom. It was wicked to try to overthrow the kingdom. However, so much could have been different if some of these were avoided.

Instead, David lost another son when his general Joab slew Absalom in the woods of Ephraim.

In addition, many took advantage of the upheaval. Mephibosheth’s servant Ziba betrayed his master for financial gain. Shimei saw this as an opportunity to curse the king to his face. Ahithophel betrayed David and became counselor to the Absalom. His advice was highly sought after, which brought him fame. “And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had enquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom” (2 Samuel 16:23). (Though when his counsel was rejected once, he ended his life.)

Some unexpected heroes came out of the story as well. Hushai the Archite defeated the counsel of Ahithophel. The priests’ sons delivered messages to David. Ittai the Gittite served as captain along with the sons of Zeruiah. Barzillai provided for the king’s sustenance for the duration of the rebellion.

So much to learn from the tragedy of Absalom:

  1. Your actions affect your entire family. There will be unintended consequences, and perhaps consequences that do not seem to be related.
  2. Lack of justice hurts the victims of crime.
  3. With what kindness, or lack of it, you show your children, the same will have profound effects on them.
  4. People will take advantage of turbulent times for their own gain.
  5. Other people will find ways to serve in turbulent times.