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2 Samuel 15 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Absalom was good looking, charismatic, and a cutthroat politician. Modern-day politicians would do well to study the strategy of Absalom. First, he didn’t run a smear campaign against David. In fact, he doesn’t say anything negative about his father. He woke up early and made it his mission to find all the people who were troubled by the current administration. Then, he used his craftiness to illustrate that King David’s advisors would not meet their needs, but if he was king, he would.
The strategy worked brilliantly. People began to swarm around this upcoming and promising “king” who could actually relate to their struggles! Absalom’s plan made it seem like he was trying to help David with all these societal issues when, in reality, he was dividing the kingdom.
David flees, though many wonder why. He was strong enough to stand and fight this rebellion, but once again, he steps back and waits believing that it is possible the Lord has willed this to happen.
“There does not appear any reason why such a person, in such circumstances, should not act on the defensive; at least till he should be fully satisfied of the real complexion of affairs. But he appears to take all as coming from the hand of God; therefore he humbles himself, weeps, goes barefoot, and covers his head! He does not even hasten his departure, for the habit of mourners is not the habit of those who are flying before the face of their enemies. He sees the storm, and he yields to what he conceives to be the tempest of the Almighty.”
Adam Clarke
It is remarkable to me that David’s fellow countrymen turned against him while the foreigners come to his defense. As he flees his city, all he can do is weep. He knows deep in his heart that the unfolding circumstances are the result of his own sinful actions. Although David would sometimes step back passively to evaluate the situation, he was always transparent and honest with God. He was willing to accept the tough love of God if necessary.