Thought from today’s Bible reading from 2 Samuel 13-15.
David’s son Absalom desired to take the throne from his father. But to do it, he did not rely upon military strength alone. Instead, his plan was to turn public support away from his father and toward him.
“Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way to the gate; and when any man had a suit to come to the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, ‘From what city are you?’ And he would say, ‘Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.’ Then Absalom would say to him, ‘See, your claims are good and right, but no man listens to you on the part of the king.’ Moreover, Absalom would say, ‘Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any suit or cause could come to me and I would give him justice.’ And when a man came near to prostrate himself before him, he would put out his had and take hold of him and kiss him. In this manner Absalom dealt with all Israel who came to the king for judgment; so Absalom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel” (2 Samuel 15:2-6).
With his promises of justice for all and the false claims that David cared nothing for their problems, Absalom was able to win the hearts of the people. Once he had this popular support, he posed a real threat to his father.
“Then a messenger came to David, saying, ‘The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.’ David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, ‘Arise and let us flee, for otherwise none of us will escape from Absalom. Go in haste, or he will overtake us quickly and bring down calamity on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword’” (2 Samuel 15:13-14).
Without the support of the people, Absalom was not in a position to overthrow his father. With the support of the people, Absalom was able to easily take power because David fled, knowing that Absalom’s popularity among the people would lead to a quick victory for the rebel.
This ought to remind us of the power that exists in a majority. It does not mean the majority is right, but they are in a position of power. As public opinion today turns against God, the church, the Bible, morality, etc., we ought to prepare for trouble ahead.
Tomorrow’s reading: Psalm 3-4, 12-13, 28, 55
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
Daily Notes & Observations contains all 365 articles from this series and is available in paperback from Gospel Armory.
