ABSALOM:

ABSALOM: Absalom’s story is one of the ugliest family tragedies in the Bible. He was David’s son. Handsome, charismatic, politically gifted, and absolutely eaten alive by pride. Scripture even makes a point of mentioning his hair. “When he polled his head, for it was at every year’s end that he polled it… the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight.” 2 Samuel 14:26 KJV Then Absalom turned on his own father. He stood at the city gate, won the hearts of the people, undermined David’s authority, declared himself king, and forced David to flee Jerusalem. David still loved him. Before the battle David specifically ordered his commanders, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom.” 2 Samuel 18:5 KJV Then everything came crashing down. Absalom was riding his mule under the branches of a great oak when his head became caught in the tree. “And he was taken up between the heaven and the earth; and the mule that was under him went away.” 2 Samuel 18:9 KJV The man who had lifted himself up against his father was now literally hanging helpless between heaven and earth. Joab heard about it and ignored David’s command. “And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom.” 2 Samuel 18:14 KJV Then ten of Joab’s men surrounded Absalom and killed him. The rebellion was over. When David heard the news, he didn’t celebrate. “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee.” 2 Samuel 18:33 KJV That’s what makes this so brutal. Absalom wanted David’s throne, but David still wanted his son. Pride destroyed him long before Joab ever reached that tree. He had beauty, influence, position, opportunity, and a father who loved him. He threw all of it away trying to take a crown that God never gave him. “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 KJV #MoreJoyMinistries