2 Samuel 15 Commentary
Trouble continues for David. He is forced to flee from his palace by Absalom’s conspiracy. For his part, Absalom is an impressive and patient political operator, but he is wicked.
By his good looks and deception, he gains popularity. He takes four years to plan and execute an operation that takes David by surprise.
Following David’s sin in Chapter 11 are rape, murder, and now mutiny right within the palace by his own flesh and blood. David understands this painful situation. “If I find favor in the Lord’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.” Verses 25 to 26.
The shepherd-king who once bubbled with anointing and oozed with favor is now a resigned, sorry sight. What has happened? Chapter 11 has happened. It is recorded for the instruction of the saint.
Sin is always a minus on the workings of the LORD in the saint’s life. It complicates ambition and plays havoc with the LORD’s master plan. You really wonder why we sin.
Looking at events in this chapter again, things don’t just add up. This is David we are talking about – the LORD’S anointed. How things have changed. The authority of innocence with which he faced Goliath has been replaced by general resignation and acceptance of fate.
Do as thou wilt, for I’m guilty and deserving of punishment, and I’m unable to resist it. It appears this is a graceful surrender. It is not a surrender to Absalom’s conspiracy but to the LORD who works in all things to the good of those who love him, regardless of the result.
Whether or not the saint plays a role in their own trouble, David’s reaction is a good lesson for us all. The LORD is in charge of events. Life doesn’t exist independently of God’s overall control. It is to this that the saint is invited to look in total surrender.
Genuine repentance involves genuine brokenness of the heart. David has acknowledged that whatever is happening around him is the doing of the LORD. So to the LORD he appeals, and this appeal is one of submission. He makes a request to the LORD for help from this point of submission.
A son who turns on his own father like Absalom did can cause incredible pain. And the temptation to focus on such intense pain can easily distract a man’s thoughts away from the LORD. Today’s complex systems can easily distract us from the understanding that the LORD is in control.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
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