The phrase "there is no new thing under the sun" came to mind as I read today. Absalom's glad-handing, baby-kissing, and false promises at the city gates smacks of present-day political campaigns. These people were evidently as gullible as we are, and fell for Absalom's charm. When he encited rebellion among the Israelites, I found myself disappointed that David was not inspired to fight for his kingdom but instead retreated. I suppose though, that there are other ways, perhaps even more noble ways, to defeat an enemy than with brute force. David seemed to see the Lord's hand in this and had peace that whatever the outcome would be His will. I loved his desperately honest prayer, "Lord let Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice". In other words, may they self-destruct.
Along those "no new thing under the sun" lines... enter Mephibosheth. Remember that he is the son of Johnathan who was crippled as a young boy and had been living in the palace due to the promise David had made to his father. Despite all that David had done for him, all of it unmerited, Mephibosheth decided to seize the opportunity of instability in the kingdom to lay claim to the throne himself. No loyalty or allegiance... just opportunistic self-advancement. How disappointing that must have been for David. In one day he was betrayed by his son and adopted son, both of whom considered him a hindrance to their own aspirations of power.
Finally, Ahithophel advised Absalom to openly have sex with his father's concubines. The message intended was clearly "look who's in charge of all that once belonged to David", which included by inference, the kingdom of Israel. This was also the fulfillment of prophecy spoken by the prophet Nathan at the time of Uriah's murder. In 2 Sam. 12:11 the Lord said, "Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel". I'm full of cliche's today but, "what goes around, comes around".
Tomorrow's reading: 2 Sam. 17:15-19:30, Psalm 3
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will you talk to me about mephibosheth? in this passage, his servant ziba clearly states that he is looking at david leaving as a way to take back his grandfather's kingdom, but in 2 samuel 19:26 he says his servant deceived him and lied to david and that he really wanted to come but was unable. clearly david believes him, so who do we believe??!! i reread this several times and have no insight.
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