Absalom's Folly

2 Samuel 15-18

David was Israel’s greatest king but an abject failure as dad.
His tepid reception of Absalom turned into something bad.
Absalom, completely embittered, began to subvert the king
Inciting the people with suggestions a leadership change could bring.

The people thought he was terrific due to the attention shown,
But Absalom was using them as a tool to gain the throne.
After four years he proceeded with his plan’s execution.
From the nearby town of Hebron, he announced the revolution.

David then heard how the king’s son had won the citizen’s hearts.
In order to spare the city of God, he rose up to depart.
Six hundred of his faithful men decided to go with the king.
Other than these loyal folks, Absalom controlled everything.

Can you imagine the deep despair as David was facing death
Only to learn he was further betrayed by his servant Mephibosheth?
Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the heir to the Northern throne
Thought his kingdom he might regain if David was overthrown.

Ahithophel, David’s counselor, took the side of the son.
He advised him to proceed with sin that should have been shunned.
He endeavored to speak as an oracle in the way his words would ring.
He suggested 12,000 go forth with a mission to kill the king.

But once again God drew near to counter the devil’s plan
Hushai’s wise words stopped this scheme even before it began.
This was the end of Ahithophel; he was put on the shelf.
Having lost his special place, he went home and hanged himself.

David escaped and organized his army of faithful men.
They went forth to the battle in the woods of Ephraim.
The commanders insisted that David remain, so he was left behind,
But David gave them all these words: “Treat my son, Absalom, kind.”

We all know how God prevailed and all that happened there.
As Absalom attempted to flee, he was caught in a tree by his hair.
Joab, the commander of the army, hated the young upstart.
Taking three spears he personally plunged them into Absalom’s heart.

The revolution was quenched that day with the battle decisively won.
The kingdom was spared; David restored, but oh how he grieved for his son.
Here is a lesson for all to heed about how we should raise our sons.
We must take time to meet their needs, especially when they are young.

Here is my counsel to young dads: “Do the important things.”
Your actions now will influence what the future will bring.
Love your sons, teach them truth, guide them in all their ways.
God will honor the faithful dad with joy in his older days.

© Copyright 2010 George M. Cuff, All Rights Reserved