2 Samuel 17
This chapter in 2 Samuel is charged with emotion & frustration. If you remember from the last few chapters, Absalom has gained power as he rebelled against his father, David, and sought to be the sole Judge of Israel. When we arrive here in chapter 17, Israel and it’s leaders are quite taken by Absalom and David has retreated to hiding from his son. Here, Absalom and Ahithepel attempt to enact their conspiracy to take out David so that Absalom may be exalted as judge of Israel.
But here’s the irony of the story: God ultimately protects David from Absalom, showing that God is the only good and trustworthy judge.
The whole reason Absalom wants David dead is to be the Judge of Israel. And while being a seeker of justice is not a bad thing, it is clear that Absalom wants this position not simply to enact justice, but to have more power than his father.
In chapter 15, we see that Absalom wants to seek peace and justice for the people of Israel as their leader. The text says this in 2 Samuel 15:
4…“If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.”
5 Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.
Here, Absalom looks to be someone who is honest, caring, and empathetic towards Israel. Interestingly, the name “Absalom” means “son of peace” in Hebrew. However, in the next few chapters, Absalom’s peaceful and caring image is complicated by his involvement with concubines (2 Samuel 16:22) and his plan to hunt down David while he is “weak and weary” here in chapter 17. Out of one side of his mouth, this “son of peace” is talking about wanting justice, yet we can see that his actions do not always line up with what he says.
Scripture is clear that God is a just God. For example, in Deuteronomy 32:4, this is how Yahweh is described:
He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.
God, in his perfect justice, sees Absalom’s corruption. Absalom speaks about justice, but goes on to take advantage of women and attempts to kill David out of envy.
And in His wisdom and justice, God seeks to bring disaster on Absalom for this selfishness. In verse 14, the text says this:
“Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.” (italics added)
As the narrative continues, we will learn of Absalom’s fate and see whether his plans to gain his father’s power are realized. But so far, Absalom’s story demonstrates that the “son of peace” that his name represents is not the person he is on the inside. God humbles Absalom by keeping him from making his attack on David.
As modern readers of this story, we can look to Jesus, who is a better “son of peace.” Jesus never attempted to kill anyone for power, but instead allowed himself to be killed. He did not manipulate others, because true peace comes from security in one’s relationship with the father. Through Jesus, we have access to unlimited power by the Holy Spirit. We do not need to manipulate and power grab, but instead are free to live securely with the father no matter our position.
