Once Absalom was back in the king’s favor, he purchased a chariot and horses and hired fifty men to run ahead of him. He looked at his father David as a weak and useless king, and he began to conceive a plan to oust his father from the throne. It started with a campaign to win public support, much like a modern day political candidate, spending time with the people. He would arise very early every morning to greet people at the city gate. There he would hear there issues and assure them that if he were judge over Israel, they would receive his favor. Every day he was winning public opinion. Some would bow to him and he would hug them and kiss them. Absalom was an extremely handsome man with a lot of charisma.
2 Samuel 15:2-5 ESV And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, "From what city are you?" And when he said, "Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel," (3) Absalom would say to him, "See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you." (4) Then Absalom would say, "Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice." (5) And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him.
After four years of campaigning among the people; Absalom made his move. He had gained fame and power and had won the hearts of the people. He asked his father if he could go to Hebron to sacrifice and fulfill a vow he had made. The King said, “Go in peace.” So he went to Hebron, but he sent secret messengers throughout the country proclaiming that when the trumpets sounded then Absalom would be king.
2 Samuel 15:7-10 ESV And at the end of four years Absalom said to the king, "Please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to the LORD, in Hebron. (8) For your servant vowed a vow while I lived at Geshur in Aram, saying, 'If the LORD will indeed bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will offer worship to the LORD.'" (9) The king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose and went to Hebron. (10) But Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then say, 'Absalom is king at Hebron!'"
While Absalom was sacrificing in Hebron, the conspiracy grew and his followers increased. He sent for Ahithophel, David’s counselor. Then a messenger came to David and told him that the hearts of the men of Israel had gone after Absalom. David knew that Absalom would kill him if he caught him in Jerusalem, so David and his 600 men and all of his loyal supporters in Jerusalem left the city with their king.
2 Samuel 15:14-16 ESV Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, "Arise, and let us flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Go quickly, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword." (15) And the king's servants said to the king, "Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king decides." (16) So the king went out, and all his household after him. And the king left ten concubines to keep the house.
Absalom, with the army; later arrived in Jerusalem and he claimed his right to the throne by mere possession of it and possession of the army of Israel. King David was in exile and on the run for his life. Absalom established himself by taking his father’s concubines. This act spread through out Israel and established that he was king. But he made himself king without the anointing of the LORD and he did not have the Spirit of the LORD. His cunning and charisma got him into the throne room; but it was going to be impossible to stay there very long.
Many have been able to impress the people for a short time. There was a man who used his cunning and charisma to win over the people of Minnesota and become governor. His name was James George Janos; better known as Jesse Ventura. It is easy to lean on one’s own confidence; and if the circumstances are right, a state can elect you governor; just as Absalom rallied the people behind him and made himself king. But if it is not God’s will, it won’t succeed. We are here for God’s good pleasure. If it is not God’s will, then we should not venture down a wrong path. God orders the steps of the righteous; but we must not lean on our own understanding.
Psalms 37:23 KJV The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Proverbs 3:5 KJV Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Prayer: Almighty God, we belong to you when we make the decision to surrender all to you and repent in baptism. Fill us with the Holy Ghost and lead us to what you are blessing, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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