2 Samuel

1 Samuel 14:1-24

David hadn't seen Absalom for 3 years and he missed him.  Yet, neither Absalom or David had made any effort toward reconciliation.  This was a threat to David's throne and not good for the nation.  They saw that David allowed this to go on, making no effort to reconcile or remove the threat.  We've seen in previous chapters how David dealt with enemies of Israel and how he brought all the neighboring countries to submission to Israel.  Yet, this family threat was allowed to fester. 

Joab devised a plan with this actor from Tekoa.  She plays the part of a troubled mother who lost one son an is about to lose another.  The basis for approaching the king was that anyone not happy with local justice could ask the king to intervene.  She approached David, not wih facts to dispute what was just, for the law allowed the avenger of blood; but she approached the king with a plea for mercy.   The woman claimed to be a widow which gave impact to her plea for preserving family.  She wore clothes of morning evoking sympathy from the king.  She was elderly; hoping to add character and wisdom to her plea.  She was from some distance so the facts (or lack there of) wouldn't be known by David, and she cold plead for mercy through emotion and sympathy.

David grants her request for a pardon for the guilty son so the family can continue its bloodline.  David declared that not a hair of this man's head would be harmed; forsaking justice for a mercy.  In doing so, Joab had set the king up to be asked the next question; Why king David wouldn't do the same for the people.  The future of Israel was being cut off because David wouldn't offer a pardon to Absalom.  David had a responsibility to offer reconciliation and yet he had done nothing.  David saw right through this and knew it was Joab that came up with this plan.  He granted the request and offered amnesty to Absalom.  David's pride went through the motions of reconciliation but he wouldn't allow his son to look on him. 

2 Samuel 14:25-33

This went on for 2 more years while Absalom was in Jerusalem.  Absalom finally sent for Joab.  You get the feeling Joab was ignoring him, trying to force a meeting between David and Absalom, but it was 'like father, like son' bull headedness.  Absalom got creative in forcing this meeting with Joab.  Absalom initiated this attempt at reconciliation.  David finally allowed Absalom to come before him.  Absalom bowed to David; David kissed Absalom, receiving him and forgiving him.  This forgiveness was inadequate in that sin wasn't dealt with.  It was restoration of relationship without repairation of what caused the problem.  Sin was left intact to rise again.

Our relationship with God is restored by Jesus.  But this restoration can't happen if we just seek forgiveness without dealing with the root of the problem, sin.  We must acknoweldge our sin, turn from it and receive the forgiveness available through Jesus. 

©2016 Doug Ford