2 Samuel Profiles

ABSALOM

2 Samuel 13:20–18:18

A father’s mistakes are often reflected in the lives of his children. In Absalom, David saw a bitter replay and amplification of many of his own past sins. God had predicted that David’s family would suffer because of his sins against Bathsheba and Uriah. David’s heart was broken as he realized that God’s predictions were coming true. God forgave David, but he did not cancel the consequences of his sin. David was horrified as he saw his son’s strengths run wild without the controls God had built into his own life.

By most casual evaluations, Absalom would have made an excellent king, and the people loved him. But he lacked the inner character and control needed in a good leader. His appearance, skill, and position did not make up for his lack of personal integrity.

David’s sins took him away from God, but repentance brought him back. In contrast, Absalom sinned and kept on sinning. Although he relied heavily on the advice of others, he was not wise enough to evaluate the counsel he received.

Can you identify with Absalom? Do you find yourself on a fast track toward self-destruction? Absalom wasn’t able to say, “I was wrong. I need forgiveness.” God offers forgiveness, but we will not experience that forgiveness until we genuinely admit our sins and confess them to God. Absalom rejected his father’s love and ultimately God’s love. How often do you miss entering back into God’s love through the door of forgiveness?

Strengths and accomplishments	Was handsome and charismatic like his father, David Kindly comforted his sister, Tamar, after she had been raped and allowed her to live with him
Weaknesses and mistakes	Avenged the rape of his sister, Tamar, by killing his half brother Amnon Plotted against his father to take away the throne Consistently listened to the wrong advice
Lessons from his life	The sins of parents are often repeated and amplified in their children A smart man gets a lot of advice; a wise man evaluates the advice he gets Actions against God’s plans will fail, sooner or later
Vital statistics	Where: Hebron Occupation: Prince Relatives: Father: David. Mother: Maacah. Half brothers: Amnon, Kileab, Solomon, and others. Sister: Tamar. Contemporaries: Nathan, Jonadab, Joab, Ahithophel, Hushai
Key verse	“But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron” (2 Samuel 15:10).

Absalom’s story is told in 2 Samuel 3:3; 13—19.