Manipulation

After this, Absalom bought a chariot and horses, and he hired fifty bodyguards to run ahead of him. He got up early every morning and went out to the gate of the city. When people brought a case to the king for judgment, Absalom would ask where in Israel they were from, and they would tell him their tribe. Then Absalom would say, “You’ve really got a strong case here! It’s too bad the king doesn’t have anyone to hear it. I wish I were the judge. Then everyone could bring their cases to me for judgment, and I would give them justice!” When people tried to bow before him, Absalom wouldn’t let them. Instead, he took them by the hand and kissed them. Absalom did this with everyone who came to the king for judgment, and so he stole the hearts of all the people of Israel. [2 Samuel 15.1-6]

Everything Absalom did here was underhanded manipulation.

If we can see it in today's OYCB reading, Absalom's role here can be likened to Satan's role in the crucifixion of Jesus. I am not saying it is a direct parallel, but there are certainly similarities.

Like Satan, Absalom used deception to impress and win the devotion of the people. He even manipulated them to feel like he was looking after their best interests.

I found it particularly interesting that when news of Absalom's rebellion came to David, he left Jerusalem and went up to the Mount of Olives... the same place that years later, when He had been betrayed by Judas, Jesus would go to pray in preparation for the terrible events to come.

I find it interesting that David did not take the Ark of God with him when he left. It seems the perfect picture of Jesus walking away from His Divinity in order to face the humiliation, beatings, and crucifixion that was coming.

There were indeed those who remained loyal to David at this time, but there were others who turned against him. Wow, does that sound like Jesus' situation or what?

Besides noticing the similarities here between David and Jesus, suffice it to say, Satan continues to this day to deceive and manipulate with the sole intent to kill, steal, and destroy. His deception makes people think they are doing what is right or right for themselves - even to think that would be the way God wants it, but all the while, Satan's plan is death, theft, and destruction.

May the Father give us wisdom and even shrewdness, like the advice of Hushai, to discern when we are being manipulated by Satan or led by the Holy Spirit!

Father, thank You for David's story. Help me to learn from his life and devotion to You - even in his brokenness.