Oh Absalom, my son, my son!

II Samuel 17-19

Ahithophel had served King David, but when Absalom stated his coup, Ahithophel went over to Absalom's side. In chapter 17, Ahithophel recommends Absalom's army attack David and kill him. One of David's spies is asked his opinion and he gives some different advice. Absalom likes Hushai's advice and goes with it. Ahithophel, realizing that he has fallen out of the limelight with Absalom, and unable to return to the King he betrayed, hangs himself. Hushai sends word to David by two spies, who almost get caught, and David is able to flee to safety. God provides food for David and his men by the Ammonites, who David had conquered in battle earlier in his reign.

Chapter 18 tells of the Civil War fought between David's men and Absalom's men. It wasn't really a battle. David's army quickly defeated their enemies. While Absalom was retreating on mule, his head got caught in a tree. Most artists depict this as his hair, because we learned in an earlier chapter that Absalom had really long hair. While hanging from the tree, Joab goes against the king's wishes and kills Absalom. When word reaches David that Absalom is dead, he cries out in mourning. David's men leave his presence and the joy of victory turns into sadness and fear.

In chapter 19, Joab immediately goes to the king and speaks boldly to him. He tells him to man up. His crying has turned the hearts of his army away from him and he is in danger of losing his kingdom. Joab then tells David that he needs to speak to the people to comfort and encourage them. David does but also replaces Joab as his military leader.

On the return to Jerusalem, we learn that many people go out to meet David. First is the relative of Saul that had cursed and threw rocks at David when he was fleeing Jerusalem. David shows him mercy. After him, Mephibosheth comes and has not trimmed his beard or "dressed his feet" since David fled. He tells David that his servants tricked him by saying they were getting a donkey ready for him to ride (since he was crippled) but they left him. (Remember that Mephibosheth is the son of Jonathan, Saul's son, and David had taken him into his home as a son.) Others come and greet David as he returns to Jerusalem as well.

Just like yesterday, we see God keeping his word in both judgment and blessing. God told David that the sword would never leave his home after the his affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband. Now, Absalom is dead. He was killed in battle, fighting against his own father's army. However, God told David that his lineage would reign over Israel forever. David was saved from death to continue reigning over Israel.

We also need to consider Joab. This is twice that he has gone against the king. The first time, when he learned that David was working with Abner (who killed Joab's brother in battle), he secretly sent for Abner and assassinated him. David expressed his displeasure with this but let it go. Now, Joab has directly disobeyed an order from his king and killed the king's son. This would not go unpunished. The punishment will not happen in David's life, but not long after his death.

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Galatians 6:6-10

6  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

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Just as David and Joab paid a price for their sins, God's word says that we too will reap what we sow when we sin. However, that promise also says that we will reap what we so when we obediently serve God as well. It is the law of the harvest. If I plant corn, corn is what will come up. We need to consider, what kind of garden are we planting. It may not seem important now, but come harvest time, it will be VERY important!