2 Samuel 18:1-18

18:3 | In addition to protecting Israel from Absalom’s ascent to the throne if David was killed, David’s men gave him a way to avoid the battle and save face. He was an old man by this time, and certainly his battle skills had declined.

18:9 | The image of Absalom hanging from a tree by his hair is pathetic; from a literary standpoint, it is poetic justice that the mischievous and prideful troublemaker ended up in such an undignified predicament. This event was foreshadowed in 14:26.

18:5-14 | David wished for Absalom’s life to be spared, but Joab feared that he would seize the opportunity to kill him. There are 12 proverbs in the OT that warn of children rebelling against their parents. A son or daughter who rebels against godly parents will not prosper.

18:17-18 | The ironic contrast between Absalom’s tomb – a large heap of stones – and the pillar he erected to himself is striking. He did not follow the advice of Proverbs 25:6-7 and wait until the king exalted him. Instead, he exalted himself against the king and was brought down.