April 13

Absolom never needed any Rogaine that is for sure! I checked with the online shekels to pounds converter (who knew we would live in such an age where we could do that!) and found that each time he cut his hair it weighed about 5 pounds!

 It's hard to understand the reconciliation of Absolom and King David at first until you really think about some wayward people in your life. You love them, you are glad to see them but you cannot have a full fledged reconciliation because you know their heart has not changed.

It doesn't take long for Absolom to start showing his true colors. Kind of reminds me of the Bible describing Satan as an 'angel of light'. Beautiful, smooth talker....says all the right things to all the right people...but he harbors desires to overthrow the real king...his father. Full of false humility--if anyone came to bow down before him Absolom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Unheard of behavior for a prince! He stole the hearts of Israel! What a player! Can you not totally picture this guy!!! I may have even seen a version of him on a presidential campaign ad for change (was that my out loud voice?).

Absolom did have quite a little conspiracy going but it does seem that David over reacts a bit. He reverts back to his days of being on the run from Saul. That's what we often do in a panic, revert to something familiar. After Christ was crucified, the disciples, even after they had seen the risen Lord were not sure what to do, so they went back to fishing.

 I love the little side story about Ittai, the foreigner who only arrived the day before. David tells him there is no sense going on the run with him and tells him to go with Absolom. But Ittai modeled the perfect response for us: "Wherever my lord and king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be". 2 Samuel 15:21. It appeaers his loyalty is repaid and if you search his name, you will he becomes an adivsor and military leader with Joab (2 Samuel 18:2,5, 12) even though he had been a foreigner in exile from his country.

But the way, I am not an expert on ancient military stategy but does it make sense to LEAVE the palace rather than gaurd  it. And to leave it in the care of 10 concubines? How in the heck are they supposed to care for it, let alone defend it? Maybe it is a picture of us giving in to Satan, sometimes even without a fight? And what is up with the KING walking barefoot and dejected? And thinking the Lord has given Absolom the kingdom and the Lord has told these men to curse him? The Lord had defended David through all kinds of threats but when it's his own son, he gets tangled up in guilt, depression, hopelessness, regret......he is so busy nursing his emotions that he fails to see that his Hope is the same place it has always been!

I was suprised that this story was not resolved in today's reading. We know the end of the story.....David does return to the throne. But, I guess we will have to wait and see how. A good old fashioned cliff hanger!