A Study of David, A Man After God’s Own Heart, Part 2
By Lawna Blankenship
Sex, Lies and (no) Videotapes... Since time immemorial, sex (God's gift to mankind) is misused and abused to great consequence. Not only for the sinner, but also for families and nations impacted by the consequences. David, a man after God's own heart, not only committed adultery with Bathsheba, but he also had her husband Uriah murdered. The way of sin ends in sorrow. Sin is the cause of our misery. Repentance and confession are needful to real enjoyment of forgiving mercy. David experienced both.
We spent time on David's Family Tree figuring out who begot whom. Drop-dead handsome Absalom and Tamar were offspring of David and Maacah. Lustful Amnon was their half-brother, and David's nephew Jonadab, was their cousin who played into the concocted fake illness scenario which led to the rape of Tamar. She then had to wear long-sleeved outfits and would never marry without her virginity intact. Permanent damage.
It took two years of plotting before Absalom took revenge for Tamar's rape. He commanded his servants to strike and kill Amnon while he was under the influence. Then, they fled for the hills on their donkeys. David received fake news that all of his sons were killed on their sheepshearer's festival get-a-way in Bal-Hazor. He was inconsolable until he heard the truth and wept bitterly with his servants. Absalom fled to his grandmother's in Geshur, a non-sanctuary city, for three years. David mourned for his son every day.
Enter third party, concerned servant Joab who worked behind the scenes with actress Tekoa to bring banished Absalom home. Although David caught on to the scheme, he agreed to bring back young, gorgeous, Absalom. Absalom got his annual haircut, removing 5 pounds of tresses, and went to his own home, and after which he had three sons and a daughter, he named Tamar.
After two years, Absalom was anxious to see his Dad and sent Joab twice to ask permission. When requests were denied, Absalom had his servants set Joab's field of barley on fire. Absalom was a spoiled brat, and acted out and did whatever he wanted, when he wanted, and how he wanted. It worked and David and Absalom reconciled. I like this artist rendering and I especially like his color palate.
Then, under his father's nose, Absalom organized his entourage of fifty men, chariots and horses. His political strategy was to steal the hearts of the people with his good looks, grand entrances, apparent concern for justice, and friendly embraces. Many were fooled and switched their allegiance.
After four years, David granted Absalom's request to go to Hebron. It was his hometown where he could find loyal friends who would be proud of him, and his conspiracy to crown himself king gained strength.
David escaped Jerusalem and headed for the fords in the desert with the Arc of the Covenant of God (which he later had returned), a massive group of officials, followers, and his entire household, except for ten concubines to take care of the palace, because he did not want Jerusalem destroyed for an ensuing fight which might have killed him and many innocent inhabitants of the city. We think he planned to return.
David sent Husai as a spy to Absalom's court so he could make the counsel of his advisor Ahithophel (Bathsheba's grandfather) foolishness. Another example of the Lord raising up evil against David from his own household.
We found significance in David's ascent to the Mount of Olives, the location of the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed the night before his crucifixion. Why Is the Garden of Gethsemane So Crucial to Jesus' Life? (biblestudytools.com)
Pam led us in a discussion to analyze David's leadership and parenting skills. which we found sorely lacking. Although he was a warrior king, some agree it was God who paved the way for his many victories. He was a poet and a musician. There's that. He made disastrous decisions for himself, and he did not address the sin of his sons. He gave a pass to super attractive, favorite son, Absalom from childhood and into his adulthood, never making him accountable for his actions. Every oversight exacerbated each circumstance.
Next week, our study will bring an end to the saga of David and Absalom--not to be missed!!! Spoiler alert: Absalom hair hangs him up.
