1 Lessons from the Life and Death of

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Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom A Father’s Love for a Rebellious Son 2

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom David is Well Established as King of Israel. 2 Samuel 10, 11: 1 • Israel defeats the Ammonites and Arameans • Stays in Jerusalem while Army goes to battle 3

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom David commits Adultery with Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 11: 2 - 5 • Sees Bathsheba, Inquires about her, and has her brought to him. • Bathsheba conceives and sends word to David 4

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom David Carries out a plan to cover his sin. 2 Samuel 11: 6 - 27 • David has Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba’s husband brought home from the Army. • Uriah does not go home to his wife. • David arranges Uriah’s death in battle. • Uriah dies, David marries Bathsheba. • Bathsheba bears a son. 5

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom God (through Nathan) confronts David. 2 Samuel 12 • Nathan’s Story of the Rich Man/Poor Man • David reacts angrily upon hearing the story • Nathan: “You are the Man!” 6

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom David’s Punishment I Samuel 12 • Sword never to Depart from David’s House • Evil raised up from within David’s House • David’s wives given to his companion. He will lie with them in broad daylight. • Child born to David and Bathsheba will die. 7

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom Turmoil Begins in David’s Family. 2 Samuel 13: 1 - 22 • Amnon becomes infatuated with his half sister, Tamar, Absalom’s sister. • Amnon’s plot to get Tamar alone with him. • Amnon rapes Tamar. • Absalom hears and determines to avenge. 8

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom’s Revenge (2 years later) 2 Samuel 13: 23 - 39 • David’s sons (including Amnon) accompany Absalom to visit Sheepshearers • Absalom orders his servants to kill Amnon once he becomes drunk. • David mourns. Absalom flees. • 3 more years pass. David longs for Absalom. 9

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom Joab’s Efforts to Reconcile David and Absalom 2 Samuel 14: 1 - 24 • Joab sends the Wise Woman of Tekoa to David • She tells a story similar to David’s family • David perceives, allows Absalom to return but does not meet with him face to face. 10

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom’s efforts to See David 2 Samuel 14: 25 - 31 • No one as handsome or highly praised as Absalom. No defect in him from head to toe. • After two years, Absalom asks Joab to send him to the King. Joab ignores him. • Absalom orders to set Joab’s field on fire. • David and Absalom meet after 5 years. 11

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom’s Conspiracy Against David 2 Samuel 15 • Absalom arranges a chariot, horses, and 50 men to run before him. • Absalom stands at the gate and pretends to side with plaintiffs seeking judgment. He steals the hearts of the men of Israel. • On the pretense of paying a vow, Absalom goes to Hebron and sends spies into the land. 12

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom’s Conspiracy Against David 2 Samuel 15 • David’s advisor, Ahithophel, joins Absalom. • The hearts of Israel are with Absalom. • David and his servants flee Jerusalem to avoid being killed by Absalom. Ten concubines are left to keep David’s house. • Absalom comes into Jerusalem. 13

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom’s Conspiracy Against David 2 Samuel 16 • Absalom (on the advice of Ahithophel) goes into his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. Absalom requests Advice concerning how to defeat his Father 2 Samuel 17 • Ahithophel asks for 12, 000 men to lead an immediate pursuit of David. 14

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom requests Advice concerning how to defeat his Father 2 Samuel 17 • Hushai advises Absalom to personally lead into battle with his father. Absalom listens to Hushai. • Absalom crosses the Jordan in pursuit of David. 15

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom David’s Defense against Absalom’s forces 2 Samuel 18 • David heeds the word of the people and does not go into the battle. • David charges his leaders, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man, Absalom”. • David’s forces defeat Absalom’s forces. 16

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom The Death of Absalom 2 Samuel 18 • Absalom is caught by an oak tree. • Joab and his armor bearers kill Absalom • Word of Absalom’s death is sent back to David. 17

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom David’s great grief for Absalom 2 Samuel 18: 33 – 19: 8 • Oh Absalom My son, my son! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son!" 18

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom The Brief Pleasures of Sin may lead to much Heartache and Shame • Due to David’s Sin with Bathsheba: –The Sword never departed –David had to flee his own home –Amnon raped his own half sister –Three sons died –David experienced great shame. 19

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom Bible Characters who refused to give in to the Pleasures of Sin: • Moses: Hebrews 11: 24 -29 • Joseph: Genesis 39 20

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom Parent’s example and guidance may greatly influence the choices of their Children • The actions of Amnon and Absalom are closely connected to the sin of David. • Though becoming angry, we have no evidence that David ever punished Amnon. • Principle seen in many Kings of Israel & Judah. 21

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom Parent’s example and guidance may greatly influence the choices of their Children • Positive Example: Timothy 2 Timothy 1: 5, 2 Timothy 3: 15 22

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom Forgiveness of Sin does not eliminate the consequences of sin • David’s sin was forgiven, yet he still experienced the punishment for his sin. • Other Characters in which this is seen: –Adam and Eve Genesis 3 –Moses Numbers 20: 1 -13 23

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom Never make character assessments on outward appearances. • Absalom: handsome, no defect, highly praised. • Absalom: appeared to be interested in the cares of others. • Absalom: Chariot and runners made it seem as though he was someone to be desired. 24

Lessons from the Life and Death of Absalom David’s willingness to forgive reflects God’s attitude toward us. • Despite all that Absalom had done, David maintained a heart of forgiveness. • This was consistent of David’s character. • David was willing to die in place of Absalom. • Jesus did die in place of us. 25

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