“In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, ‘What town are you from?’ He would answer, ‘Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.’ Then Absalom would say to him, ‘Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.’  And Absalom would add, ‘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.’ Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. 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.”—2 Samuel 15:1–6 (NIV)

Wouldn’t Absalom have made a great modern political candidate in America? Let me remind you that Israel, with Absalom’s father being king, stood as a monarchy. But today’s reading makes us question Absalom’s intentions.

Here’s some back story to help us fill in the spaces: From the beginning, it was the people who begged Samuel for a king over the ultimate King, and God obliged and gave them what they wanted while warning them of the consequences. Later, when David reigns as king, his son, Absalom, kills his other son, Amnon, after Amnon raped his daughter, Tamar. This devastates David and ruptures the relationship between a father and his son. Absalom flees to stay with his grandparents, and bitterness grows in his heart for two long years until they reunite and reconcile with David granting his son a kiss as a truce (2 Samuel 14:33).  

Doesn’t this passage remind us of a political campaign? Absalom surely knows how to win the people’s votes and capture their hearts with his good looks, charming personality, and eloquent speech. He uses a chariot and horses with fifty men as props to obtain attention while standing by the city gate to listen to the people’s complaints, and he promises if he were the judge of the land he’d do something. Yet, there’s already a process in place. If anyone doesn’t find the local courts to be fair, they can go plead for an appeal with the king and have a representative of the king hear their case. Absalom is being deceitful, but hides it with his grand allure.

The king must be too busy to attend to the people’s needs, so who better than the next in line to help lift his dad’s arms and help carry the burden it takes to fully govern. After all, Absalom’s the rightful heir to the throne. Why not start training now? 

Although there had been tension in David’s house, Absalom keeps it diplomatic and doesn’t attack the king or expose his sins like some politicians would do when talking about their opponents these days. A political advisor may comment that this is a brilliant move on Absalom’s part because he wants the people to see they’re a united front among the people. But can Absalom can do a better job than David?

Just like Satan, Absalom serves as a counterfeit king or Christ. By using flattering speech, he’s scheming against his father and pretends he can offer the people something better. He uses his popularity as the path to gaining a position in his father’s court to eventually overthrow the king.

“Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. . . . For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.”—Romans 16:17–18 (NIV)

In today’s world, we get to witness people’s pride and covetousness everywhere, but it hurts when it hits home and we experience it with our families, colleagues, neighbors, friends, and rivals. But I hope when reading this story, we’re reminded not to look outside the window and point at the many flaws of those people out there. Instead, we look at the mirror and ask our good God to reveal the pride that often resides in our hearts, so we don’t end up conspiring like Absalom. 

Pause: Why is Absalom not being upfront with David about wanting a place in his kingdom? What do you think Absalom has against his father?

Practice: Over 400 year ago, St. Ignatius came up with a spiritual practice centered around “spiritual exercises,” a series of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices designed to deepen ones relationship with God. Every day this week, reflect on the events of your day by (1) relishing in the moments that went well and thanking God for all the gifts He’s given you, (2) requesting the Spirit to lead you to review your day, (3) repenting of any failures, and (4) asking how you can to thing better the next day.

Pray: Father, please forgive me when I’ve allowed pride to rule my day. Direct my steps and humble me, Lord. Reveal to me the times I’ve allowed pride to direct my words and deeds. Help me exemplify Your love, gentleness, and compassion today. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who has already delivered me from the hands of the enemy. Don’t let me be enticed by the counterfeit promises of the enemy, but instead cling to Your promises, because only You’re the true, faithful King of my heart. Amen.