This chapter describes a subversive actions by Absalom, which culminate in David and his household fleeing Jerusalem to avoid a coupe.
“And a messenger came to David, saying, ‘The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.’ 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.’ And the king’s servants said to the king, ‘Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king decides.’ So the king went out, and all his household after him.” (v13-16a)
For four years Absalom intentionally wins over the hearts of Israel and plants seeds of his future kingship in the minds of the tribes. David gets word of the pending coupe and flees with those loyal to him in order to avoid a civil war in the middle of his people (knowing he’d be forced to fight Absalom’s growing supporters).
The most important thing to note here is that David is not alone – he still has the support of many people, some of whom aren’t even Israelites, and he has God on his side. God has anointed David king, not his son Absalom. As long as David is obedient to God, He will deliver him from Absalom’s false rule, just as He delivered him from Saul’s discontinued rule.
Culturally we are taught to be people-pleasers, like how Absalom sought the approval of Israel. There is great wisdom in showing respect and honor to other people, though the Bible does warn us to seek God’s approval, not mankind’s.
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Gal 1:10) “For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” (Jn 12:43) “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Psa 118:6-9)
Absalom sought the approval of people, whereas David sought the approval of God. I would encourage us to seek God’s approval alone, while remaining respectful and loving of those around us. How Absalom won the hearts of Israel may look similar on the outside, though I think the motivations of his heart were probably on the self-seeking side, versus the God-honoring side.
Father God, the one True King, You alone are worthy of our greatest endeavors. Father please help us to seek Your approval above all others. It’s so easy to elevate the approval of others above yours, but we are warned against that. Father we cannot please everyone, no matter how hard we try. So please remind us to please You first and foremost, loving You with our whole hearts, and by extension loving those around us. Not everyone will approve of us following You, so we entrust those people to Your care and pray for You to soften their hearts. In the name of Jesus, our primary example of pleasing You versus please people, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training