Broken Hearts
One Year Bible May 30, 2022
2 Samuel 15:23-16:23
Broken Hearts
Have you ever heard the phrase, “You Can’t Con a Con”?
This story is about “A Conniver who will indeed be Conned”.
This son of David came into Jerusalem as a cunning, wicked rebel, while his father came into Jerusalem as a brave, noble conqueror. (2 Samuel 5: 6-7).
Unfortunately, the father’s sin had opened a very wide doorway for deception, division, and dysfunction to take over his kingdom.
David’s son’s name is Absolom, and he is next in line for David’s throne. The problem is that he has decided not to wait “in line” for his turn.
The bigger problem is that he was the one who sinned and killed his sister’s rapist (their half-brother). Murder changes a person and not for the better. Absolom’s sin has put a giant wall between his father, the king, and himself. This silence has added to his brokenness and he is bitter… Very Bitter!
Absolom’s deceptive plan is to first STEAL the hearts of the people of Israel.
We know that Absolom was very handsome, young, with long thick hair. Did you know that long hair was associated with strength at that time? Looks can be deceiving and Absolom is ready and able to deceive.
Let’s look at the deceptive plan for this “take-over” of his father’s kingdom: (2 Samuel 15:1-6)
Prestige over Presence: Absolam had chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. He was there to IMPRESS!
Power over Principle: “Your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you. Oh, that I were made judge in the land… I would give him justice.” Absalom stirred up doubt and dissatisfaction with David’s government and campaigned against his own father without even dropping his father’s name.
Perception Over Reality: “When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn't let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them.” Absolam was “A friend of the people”. He was as smooth as honey. Next, he will be kissing babies. He wasn’t running for office, however. He was attempting to STEAL the throne appointed by God to his father.
As you read through this passage today and look at all of his schemes and strategies, can you ask yourself what is really behind all of this?
Absolom did not have the heart of his father, nor his Heavenly Father, so he came in willfully and strategized to “Steal the hearts of his father’s people”.
Absolom was so powerful at this that David took his clan and soldiers and had to leave the palace and be on the run, in fear for his life.
We have looked at Absolom’s state of mind, but what was David, his father’s mindset?
While Absolam was BITTER, David was BROKEN. His son’s sins came as a result of his own unfaithfulness and cover-up murder. What could he say to his son about his behavior?
Let’s look first at the words that were given to David, “All Israel has joined Absalom in a conspiracy against you.” (15:13)
David was certainly overwhelmed as he once again escapes for his life. He is trying to take “The Ark of the Covenant” with him. It is interesting that he knows that he does not want to leave the presence and power of God with his conniving son.
Listen to David’s words about the Ark as he instructs Zadok to take it back into the city, “If the Lord sees fit, he will bring me back to see the Ark and the Tabernacle again. But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.” (15: 26)
David wonders if “God is through with him”. Although he is broken from his sin, he leaves his judgment, punishment, and deliverance in the hands of God.
David is spat on by his own people and called a scoundrel and murderer. He is taunted by those whose hearts have been “stolen” by his own son. However, David refuses to retaliate!
David’s summary of the matter is this, “My own son is trying to kill me. Doesn’t this relative of Saul have even more reason to do so? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has told him to do it.” (15:11-13)
David knows that ultimately his deliverance must come from God as he has sinned against God even more than man. He does not blame a man for the judgment he is receiving.
Let’s look at the significance of where David goes for deliverance and to pray. This location can not escape our attention in this passage today.
“David walked up the road to the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went. His head was covered and his feet were bare as a sign of mourning.” (15:30)
Here is David’s prayer, “O Lord, let Ahithophel give Absalom foolish advice.” (15:31) David prayed for a “Way Out” when there was no way of escape for him from his enemy, his own son.
A sinful, fallen man who sought God’s deliverance went to the Mount of Olives to pray. His name was David.
A perfect righteous man, who was the Son of God and delivers all of mankind went to the Mount of Olives to pray. His name was Jesus, Son of David.
Let the awe of this moment sink in…
One man went For Deliverance for himself and his people. His name was David.
The other man went To Deliver sinners like David and all of mankind. His name was Jesus.
Out of the “Root or Lineage of David” will come deliverance for all Israel and mankind.
This story is far from over. It is just a reminder of our brokenness like David’s. All have sinned and need a redeemer. Help is on the way! What an amazing word picture can be seen in this story.
Make no mistake about it… Broken Hearts will be Reborn!
And one of the elders said unto me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has OVERCOME so as to open the book and its seven seals.” (Rev. 5:5)
