II Samuel 18:5 “The king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom.”
The war went in favor of King David’s army. They killed over 20,000 soldiers. The forest was said to have taken more lives than the sword. Absalom, while riding his mule, was caught by a branch and was suspended in the air and could not get away. This was reported to Joab, and Joab asked the man why he did not kill Absalom. The man declared that he had heard the king’s request to deal gently with the King’s son. Joab took it upon himself to then go and kill Absalom. He speared him three times in the heart and then ten other armor bearers surrounded him and stabbed him as well until he was dead.
II Samuel 18:18 - Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and set up for himself a pillar which is in the King’s Valley, for he said, “I have no son to preserve my name.” So he named the pillar after his own name, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day.
Absalom’s Hair = (200 Shekels = about 6 pounds)
What is it that you take real pride in? It could be your downfall if it isn’t all about the Lord.
Psalm 10:4 – “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.”
2 Sam 15:26 – Ahimaaz was one of the men commissioned by David to bring word to him about affairs of Absalom and his plans.
Sometimes it is not how fast you run the race, but the truth you share when you get where you are going.
I Peter 3:15 = “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence”
David mourned his son’s death. David never wanted to be at war with his son. He certainly didn’t want for him to die.
II Samuel 18:33 The king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And thus he said as he walked, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
II Corinthians 5:21 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Invitation:
Is the Lord Jesus weeping over you today, begging you to be at peace with him.
II Corinthians 5:20 – he sent his children out as ambassadors to bring a message of peace.
Does your life bring others to know and serve your Lord and Master, Jesus?